Ultimate Meatball Mac & Cheese Bake
Indulge in this Ultimate Meatball Mac & Cheese Bake, a hearty fusion of cheesy goodness and savory meatballs. This dish features juicy homemade meatballs paired perfectly with creamy, rich macaroni and cheese. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this delightful comfort food is sure to please everyone at the table. It's easy to make and incredibly satisfying, making it a must-try recipe for cheese and meat lovers alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1/2 lb (Raw, for meatballs)
Egg
1 (Beaten, for binding meatballs)
Milk
1/8 cup (For meatball mixture)
Breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (For meatball mixture)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Dried parsley
1/2 tablespoon (For seasoning)
Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Pasta sauce
1 (25 ounce) jar (For simmering meatballs)
Mac and cheese box
1 (7 1/4 ounce) (Preferably white cheddar or Parmesan flavor)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, milk, breadcrumbs, salt, dried parsley, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix well by hand until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3
Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for consistent cooking.
4
In a large pot, pour in the pasta sauce and bring to a gentle simmer. Carefully drop the raw meatballs into the simmering sauce, ensuring they are submerged.
5
Cover and simmer the meatballs in the sauce for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
In the last 20 minutes of cooking, prepare your macaroni and cheese according to the package instructions.
7
Once the macaroni is ready, mix it with some of the simmered pasta sauce to integrate flavors.
8
In a baking dish, layer the mac and cheese at the bottom, then place your meatballs on top, spooning additional sauce over them if desired.
9
For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh parmesan cheese on top.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
11
Serve hot and enjoy your Ultimate Meatball Mac & Cheese Bake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Meatball Mac & Cheese Bake?
It is a hearty comfort food dish that combines homemade meatballs simmered in pasta sauce with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with parmesan and baked until golden.
What type of meat is used in the meatballs?
This recipe uses 1/2 lb of ground beef to create the meatballs.
How long do the meatballs need to simmer?
The meatballs should simmer in the pasta sauce for approximately 3 hours to ensure they are fully cooked and flavorful.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) for the final baking step.
What size should I make the meatballs?
You should shape the meat mixture into uniform golf ball-sized meatballs for consistent cooking.
What ingredients are used to bind the meatballs?
A combination of one egg, milk, and breadcrumbs is used as a binding agent for the meatballs.
What flavor of mac and cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests using a white cheddar or Parmesan flavored mac and cheese box.
Do I need to cook the meatballs before putting them in the sauce?
No, you drop the raw shaped meatballs directly into the simmering pasta sauce to cook.
How long does the final bake take?
The assembled dish is baked for about 15 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden.
What spices are used in the meatballs?
The meatballs are seasoned with salt, dried parsley, garlic powder, and pepper.
How much pasta sauce is required?
You will need one 25-ounce jar of pasta sauce.
Can I add extra cheese?
Yes, the recipe suggests sprinkling fresh parmesan cheese on top before baking for an extra touch.
When should I start preparing the macaroni and cheese?
Prepare the macaroni and cheese during the last 20 minutes of the meatball simmering time.
How do I assemble the bake?
Layer the prepared mac and cheese at the bottom of a baking dish, place meatballs on top, and spoon extra sauce over them.
Can I use different types of ground meat?
While the recipe calls for ground beef, you could substitute ground turkey or pork if desired.
Is the pasta sauce mixed with the macaroni?
Yes, once the macaroni is ready, you mix it with some of the simmered pasta sauce to integrate the flavors before layering.
What is the purpose of adding milk to the meatball mix?
Milk helps keep the meatballs moist and tender during the long simmering and baking process.
Can I make this recipe for a family dinner?
Absolutely, it is described as a delightful comfort food that is sure to please everyone at the table.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include comfort food, mac and cheese, meatball, bake, easy dinner, and hearty meal.
Do I need any special equipment?
You will need a large bowl, a large pot for simmering, and a baking dish for the final oven step.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute fresh parsley, though the recipe specifically lists dried parsley for seasoning.
How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the pot?
Stir the meatballs and sauce occasionally while they are simmering to prevent sticking.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, the instructions are straightforward and designed to be easy and incredibly satisfying.
How much breadcrumbs are needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs for the meatball mixture.
What size mac and cheese box should I buy?
A standard 7.25-ounce box of mac and cheese is required.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for seasoning the meatballs.
Is this dish very cheesy?
Yes, it features both the cheese sauce from the mac and cheese box and optional parmesan on top.
Can I use homemade pasta sauce?
Yes, you can substitute the 25-ounce jar with your own homemade pasta sauce.
Why do I cover the pot during simmering?
Covering the pot helps maintain heat and ensures the meatballs cook through properly in the sauce.
Should the meatballs be submerged in the sauce?
Yes, you should ensure the raw meatballs are submerged in the simmering sauce for even cooking.