Macaroni And Meatballs
Creamy macaroni and meatballs combine savory flavors with tender meatballs and cheesy pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners and satisfying hearty appetites.
Ingredients
- 2 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 3/4 cup soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green pepper
- 2 tablespoons parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- ground beef, 1 pound ⓘ
- macaroni and cheese (1 package) ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine beaten eggs, bread crumbs, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, parsley, half of the dried oregano, garlic salt, and a dash of pepper in a bowl.
- Add ground beef and mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Shape the mixture into 24 meatballs.
- Bake the meatballs in a shallow pan, uncovered, at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
- Combine the dry cheese mix, sour cream, remaining oregano, and milk to make the cheese sauce.
- Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a 12 x 7.5 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the baked meatballs on top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. You can also substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. If you prefer a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture. Ensure to mix the meatball ingredients gently to avoid tough meatballs, and shape them evenly for consistent cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the macaroni and meatballs with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A side of garlic bread pairs nicely, adding a comforting touch. For an extra cheesy experience, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top before baking, and enjoy with a glass of your favorite wine. This dish is a family favorite, perfect for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni And Meatballs contains roughly 303 calories, with 10g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (74% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate them. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to cook, simply bake them as directed. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just thaw before baking.
What can I use instead of macaroni?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free pasta varieties such as rice or corn pasta. For a healthier alternative, whole wheat pasta works well too. You can also experiment with vegetable noodles like zucchini or spaghetti squash for a unique twist.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture. You can also spice up the cheese sauce with hot sauce or pepper jack cheese. Adjust the amount to your taste preference for a delicious kick!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).