A method of manufacturing nuclear fuel elements may include: forming a graphite base portion of the fuel element; depositing a first layer of graphite spheres on the base portion; depositing a first layer of fuel, burnable poison and/or breeder particles on the first layer of graphite spheres; forming a second layer of graphite spheres on the first layer of particles; depositing a second layer of fuel, burnable poison and/or breeder particles on the second layer of graphite spheres; and forming a graphite cap portion of the fuel element. Fuel, burnable poison and/or breeder particles of the first layer may be are spaced apart by substantially the same distance, and fuel, burnable poison and/or breeder particles of the second layer may be spaced apart by substantially the same distance. The fuel element may be a spherical fuel pebble. The fuel particles may be tri-structural-isotropic (TRISO) particles without an overcoat.