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Meatball Spaghetti

Kid Vibe
Adult Vibe
Maestro Meatball plate buddy with spaghetti hair, marinara hat, and meatballs on a clear plate – a fun, interactive mealtime idea for kids from Happy Plate.
Close-up of spaghetti with marinara sauce and meatballs, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley – a classic Italian comfort food.

Ingredients

30 Minute Meal

Per Child Serving:

  • ½ cup cooked spaghetti noodles
  • ¼ cup marinara sauce
  • 1–2 mini meatballs
  • 1 tbsp shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese

Per Adult Serving:

  • 1 cup cooked spaghetti noodles
  • ½ cup marinara sauce
  • 2 meatballs, halved or whole
  • 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese

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Ingredients for a spaghetti and meatball dish, including two cooked meatballs, uncooked pasta, tomato slices, a skillet of red sauce with herbs, garlic, cheese, and basil on a dark background.

Side-Kicks

  • Mozzarella Music Notes – String cheese cut into musical shapes
  • Apple Crescendos – Crisp apple slices with peanut or sunflower butter dip
  • Corn Drumsticks – Mini corn on the cob, lightly buttered
  • Tomato Tambourines – Cherry tomato halves with a sprinkle of parmesan
  • Cucumber Cymbals – Thin cucumber rounds with hummus dip
  • Yogurt Solo Cup – Greek yogurt with a swirl of honey or berry puree
  • Pasta’s Backup Singers – Whole grain crackers with mini cheese stars

Fun Tips!

  • Place the Maestro Meatball printable under a clear plate and let kids decorate his face!
  • Encourage creativity—who can make the silliest meatball face or a musical moustache?
    • Maestro Meatball Plate Buddy character with spaghetti hair and a marinara hat, holding a wooden spoon – a fun, interactive mealtime guide for kids from Happy Plate.
    Printable Recipe

    Add-Ons

    • Make it musical: Add sliced olives for buttons, cherry tomato bowties, or a zucchini baton
    • Extra notes: Try ground turkey, grilled chicken, or plant-based meatballs
    • Veggie jam session: Sneak in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or beans

    Nutrition Info

    • Calories: ~260
    • Protein: ~12g
    • Carbs: ~28g
    • Fat: ~12g
    How to Get Kids Involved in Making This Recipe

    Fun, safe, and simple ways for kids to help in the kitchen

    Ages 3-4

    Ages 5-6

    Ages 7-10

    Illustration

    Made with Love: How to Cook This Recipe from Scratch

    A wholesome way to cook together and cut out processed ingredients

    Image Person

    Maestro Meatballs

    25 minutes

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    Image Person

    Maestro Marinara

    25 Min Meal

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    Make meals something to look forward to! The Starter Kit includes a clear plate, 4 collectible Plate Buddy magnets, and a weekday calendar system that helps kids get involved and excited. Place your plate buddy under the plate or on the fridge to inspire joy, creativity, and consistent mealtime routines, perfect for picky eaters and growing minds.
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