Mini Meatball Mac and Cheese
Mini Meatball Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food combining tender elbow macaroni, rich and creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and perfectly seasoned mini meatballs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pot meal offers a hearty, kid-friendly twist on classic mac and cheese, making it perfect for family dinners, busy weeknights, or casual entertaining.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs)
Pasta
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Optional Garnishes and Seasonings
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
- Smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes
- Prepare the Mini Meatballs: In a bowl, mix the ground beef or turkey with breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into small bite-sized meatballs. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning them gently to brown all sides and ensure they are cooked through.
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before setting the macaroni aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta, Cheese Sauce, and Meatballs: Add the cooked macaroni and mini meatballs into the cheese sauce. Gently stir to coat everything evenly with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the Mini Meatball Mac and Cheese into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives and a sprinkle of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dish.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the cheese sauce if needed.
- Cook meatballs evenly by turning them gently to get a golden crust.
- Dish tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, mini meatballs, comfort food, quick dinner, family meal, cheesy, easy recipe, kid-friendly