Meatball Macaroni Supper
A hearty meatball macaroni dish featuring savory beef meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef with chopped onion, egg, milk, salt, pepper, bread crumbs, and oregano.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in oil in a skillet.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- In a bowl, mix tomato paste, water, brown sugar, and salt.
- Add the sauce to the skillet with meatballs.
- Simmer, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Stir in macaroni and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like basil to the meatball mixture. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Keep an eye on the meatballs while browning to avoid overcooking, and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavor. This recipe pairs beautifully with Beef And Noodles for a comforting dinner spread. For added texture, consider tossing in some steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Meatball Macaroni Supper can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatball Macaroni Supper contains roughly 1356 calories, with 13g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 106g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value), calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. It also contributes 5g 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 freeze the Meatball Macaroni Supper?
Yes, you can freeze the Meatball Macaroni Supper. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
What can I use instead of tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste, you can substitute it with an equal amount of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Keep in mind that using sauce may result in a thinner consistency, so you might want to reduce the water slightly. For a richer flavor, adding a bit of tomato puree can also work well.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You could also mix in diced jalapeños with the meatball ingredients for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your preference for a more robust flavor.
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).