Baked Mac ‘N’ Cheese with Chicken Meatballs is a comforting and indulgent dish that brings together the creamy richness of classic macaroni and cheese with the savory goodness of homemade chicken meatballs. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe elevates traditional mac and cheese by adding tender, flavorful meatballs, creating a satisfying meal that everyone will love. The cheesy pasta and juicy meatballs are baked to perfection, resulting in a golden, bubbly crust that’s hard to resist. Serve this hearty dish with a simple salad for a complete and memorable meal.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Mac ‘N’ Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Chicken Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbling.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Combine and Assemble:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated. Gently fold in the cooked chicken meatballs.
- Pour the macaroni and meatball mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy this delicious Baked Mac ‘N’ Cheese with Chicken Meatballs as a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite, combining the best of creamy mac and cheese with savory meatballs.
