# Components:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1.1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 large egg
03 - 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
04 - 2 tablespoons milk
05 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
09 - 3/4 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
→ Noodle Nests
12 - 9 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine
13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
14 - 2 large eggs
15 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Monster Mash Sauce
17 - 2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
18 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
19 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
20 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
21 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
22 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
23 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Decoration (optional)
24 - Sliced black olives (for eyes)
25 - Small mozzarella balls or bocconcini (for eyes)
26 - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley in a large bowl. Mix until evenly incorporated. Shape mixture into 16 uniform meatballs and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Bake meatballs for 18–20 minutes, or until fully cooked through and lightly browned.
04 - Boil spaghetti or fettuccine in generously salted water until al dente. Drain well and toss with olive oil to coat lightly. Allow to cool slightly.
05 - Mix cooled pasta with eggs, grated Parmesan, and salt. Line another baking sheet with parchment. With a fork, twirl small portions of pasta into 8–12 nests, each about 3 inches wide, leaving a well in the center. Bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, until nests are set and lightly golden.
06 - Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onions for 3 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in marinara sauce, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
07 - Arrange noodle nests on serving plates. Spoon a little sauce inside each nest, then place a meatball in the center. Drizzle additional sauce over meatballs.
08 - If desired, create 'monster' faces with sliced olives and mozzarella balls atop each meatball. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve promptly.
