This mini meatball mac and cheese combines two of my favorite comfort foods in one dish, is quick and easy to make, and will be a huge hit with the whole family.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword mac and cheese, meatballs
Prep Time 30 minutesminutes
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour
Servings 10
Calories 769kcal
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
½poundground beef
½poundground pork
1cupdry bread crumbs
¼cupParmesan cheese, grated
2eggs
2small garlic cloves, pressed or minced
¼cupparsley, minced
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Mac and Cheese
1poundsmall pasta , such as elbow macaroni, shells, or rotelle
6tablespoonsbutter
¼ cupall-purpose flour
4cupswhole milk, divided
4cupsmedium cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cupsfontina cheese, shredded
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
minced parsley, for serving
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Add the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic cloves, parsley, salt, and pepper to a medium-sized bowl. Use your hands to combine until well mixed.
Use a melon baller (or a rounded ½ tablespoon measuring spoon) to scoop balls of the meat mixture and place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Lightly roll between the palms of your hands into small balls and reset on the sheet pan.
Bake for 7-10 minutes or until lightly browned and just cooked through. Set aside.
For the Mac and Cheese
Cook the pasta about 1-2 minutes less than suggested so pasta is al denté. Drain the water and set the noodles aside.
In a deep bottom saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk briskly for about 2 minutes to cook the flour. Pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in cheese until smooth and add salt and pepper to taste.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Add the mini meatballs and stir well to combine everything. Top with parsley and serve.