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Mac n Cheese Stuffed Meatball Bombs That Will Blow Your Taste Buds Away - Featured Image

Mac n Cheese Stuffed Meatball Bombs That Will Blow Your Taste Buds Away

Learn how to make delicious Mac n Cheese Stuffed Meatball Bombs. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 cup elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping if you like)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko works great for extra crunch)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Olive oil for cooking

Substitution tips: If you want to skip dairy, try a dairy-free cheese and milk alternative. For breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats can work in a pinch. And if elbow macaroni isn’t your thing, any small pasta shape will do—just cook it al dente.

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, in a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the milk and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta, stirring gently to coat. Set aside to cool slightly. This step reminds me of the creamy lentils my dad used to make—simple ingredients transformed by a little love and patience.
  3. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese if using. Mix until just combined; overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
  5. Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the mac and cheese mixture into the center, then fold the meat around it, sealing it completely and rolling it into a ball. Repeat until all meat and mac and cheese are used.
  6. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. Don’t worry if you can’t get a perfect crust; they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
  7. Transfer the browned meatballs to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F for beef (165°F for turkey).
  8. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. This is a great time to sneak a taste (or two) while your kids are distracted.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Mac n Cheese Stuffed Meatball Bombs, recipe, cooking, food