Mac and Cheese Meatball Ball

(from castro15’s recipe box)

Categories: Pasta

Ingredients

  • 24 oz. jar tomato basil pasta sauce
  • 12 oz. package frozen meatballs, thawed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp. chopped fresh oregano
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded fontina or mozzarella, divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan
  • 16 oz. penne, cooked as directed
  • Garnish: chopped fresh oregano

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375.

  2. In a medium saucepan, bring pasta sauce and meatballs to a boil over medium heat; reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour; cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly. Gradually whisk in milk, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper until smooth; cook, whisking frequently, until mixture thickens, 5-7 minutes. Whisk in 1 cup fontina or mozzarella and Parmesan until melted. Remove from heat; stir in cooked pasta until well combined. Spoon mixture into a 13×9-inch baking dish. Top with meatballs and sauce.

  4. Bake until bubbly, 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup fontina or mozzarella. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with oregano.

Email to a friend | Print this recipe | Back