Meatball Mac and Cheese

By
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen is a journalist, quick-cooking and slow-cooking expert, and accomplished cookbook author with over 30 years of experience in testing and developing recipes.
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Updated on 05/23/21
Meatball Alfredo

LauriPatterson / Getty Images

Prep: 25 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 50 mins
Servings: 6 to 8 servings

Meatball mac and cheese is a wonderfully rich and comforting recipe perfect for family dinners. You can make it ahead of time, cover and chill it in the fridge. Then just add 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time and serve it when hot and bubbly.

Serve this rich and hearty recipe with a green salad tossed with some sliced mushrooms and drizzled with ranch dressing. You could add some steamed asparagus or green beans, but you don't have to for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray

  • 1 (16-ounce) box penne pasta

  • Kosher salt, as needed

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (16-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce

  • 1 cup milk

  • 2 cups shredded Havarti cheese

  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

  • 1 (16-ounce) package frozen fully cooked meatballs, thawed

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Spray a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish with nonstick baking spray containing flour and set aside.

  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne to the water and cook according to the package directions.

  4. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.

  5. When the pasta is done, drain well and set aside.

  6. Add the Alfredo sauce and milk to the onion mixture and heat until steaming.

  7. Add the Havarti, provolone, mozzarella, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese to this mixture and cook over low heat until cheese melts.

  8. Stir in drained pasta and the meatballs.

  9. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.

  10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese starts to brown on top.

  11. Serve and enjoy!

Tip

  • To make ahead of time, do not bake; cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours, or freeze up to one month. Bake chilled casserole for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Thaw the frozen casserole in the fridge overnight, then bake until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
817 Calories
61g Fat
32g Carbs
36g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 to 8
Amount per serving
Calories 817
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 61g 79%
Saturated Fat 33g 167%
Cholesterol 180mg 60%
Sodium 2046mg 89%
Total Carbohydrate 32g 12%
Dietary Fiber 3g 9%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 36g
Vitamin C 3mg 17%
Calcium 767mg 59%
Iron 2mg 13%
Potassium 408mg 9%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)