Recipe: Savory Cheesy Meatball Mac & Cheese

In the African American community, soul food is connected to deep traditions and heritage. It’s something that brings our families together and also creates memories that last for a lifetime.

Growing up, we had a tradition of eating a delicious soul-food dinner on Sundays. These huge family gatherings included my aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, neighbors, church members and anyone else who wanted to fill up on some good food and good company.

My favorite dish from these soul-food dinners was the macaroni and cheese. I don’t mean to brag, but my family makes the best mac and cheese. Luckily, my mom taught me and my sisters to make the family recipe, but to be completely honest, it takes so long to prepare. I guess that’s why it was so good.

As a busy mom and wife, I don’t always have that kind of time, so I created this super-easy, Savory Cheesy Meatball Mac & Cheese recipe. This recipe contains those familiar, traditional soul-food flavors, but it’s made in half the time. And it includes a special ingredient, Farm Rich Homestyle Meatballs, made with ground beef and pork.

This is a very convenient, one-dish meal that’s perfect for those busy weeknights.

I used several low-fat ingredients to lighten up this dish. By using items such as reduced-fat cream cheese, margarine and skim milk, I was able to reduce the amount of total fat and calories per serving. As a Registered Dietitian, I always try to find a way to make my recipes just a little bit healthier without compromising taste.

This Savory Cheesy Meatball Mac & Cheese has quickly become a family favorite, which makes it the perfect way to celebrate and enjoy time with your family over a good meal.

Savory Cheesy Meatball Mac & Cheese

Click here for a printable recipe.

Cook time: 30 minutes

Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 1 lb. large elbow noodles
• 1 (16-oz. package) Farm Rich Homestyle Meatballs
• 1 cup 2% mild cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1½ cups white sharp cheddar, shredded
• 4 ounces cream cheese, reduced fat
• 1¾ cups skim milk
• 2 tablespoons reduced-fat margarine
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For topping:

• 1 cup round butter-flavored crackers, crushed
• ½ cup 2% milk cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Cook noodles per package directions and drain.
• Transfer noodles to a large bowl and add 1 cup cheddar cheese, 1½ cups white sharp cheddar, cream cheese, skim milk, margarine and garlic powder. Stir gently until all ingredients are combined.
• Add Farm Rich Meatballs and season with salt and pepper.
• Stir in egg and transfer to a 13-by-9-inch baking dish.
• Bake for 25 minutes (meatballs should reach internal temperature of 165 degrees).
• Remove casserole from oven and add crushed crackers and cheddar cheese for topping.
• Broil on high for 5 minutes or until topping is melty and golden. Serve and enjoy.

Andrea Mathis is a registered dietitian and owner of Beautiful Eats & Things. For more great recipes, visit beautifuleatsandthings.com.