Mac and Cheese BBQ Meatballs (Printable Version)
BBQ meatballs and creamy macaroni join in toasted subs, finished hot and golden for a mouthwatering main dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
03 - 1/4 cup whole milk
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ BBQ Sauce
11 - 1 cup barbecue sauce
→ Mac and Cheese
12 - 7 ounces elbow macaroni
13 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
14 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
15 - 2 cups whole milk
16 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
17 - 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
18 - Kosher salt, to taste
19 - Black pepper, to taste
→ Assembly
20 - 4 large sub rolls, split
21 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
22 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
23 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until just blended.
03 - Form 16 golf ball-sized meatballs and arrange evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.
04 - Transfer hot meatballs to a large bowl and toss thoroughly with barbecue sauce.
05 - Cook elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
06 - In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
07 - Gradually add milk while whisking, continue cooking until mixture thickens slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes.
08 - Remove saucepan from heat. Add shredded cheddar cheese and ground mustard, if using, and stir until cheese is melted. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
09 - Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
10 - Preheat oven broiler to high. Place split sub rolls on a baking sheet and brush their interiors with melted butter.
11 - Broil rolls for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly toasted and golden.
12 - Place 4 barbecue meatballs in each toasted roll. Spoon generous portions of mac and cheese on top.
13 - Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over each assembled sub, if desired. Return subs to broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
14 - Finish with chopped fresh parsley as garnish, if preferred. Serve hot.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Combines two comfort food favorites in one satisfying meal
- Makes a hearty and crowd-pleasing main dish
02 -
- This recipe contains gluten (rolls, flour, breadcrumbs, pasta), dairy (cheese, milk, butter), and egg
- Always check product labels if you have food allergies
03 -
- Mix the meatball ingredients lightly to keep them tender
- Pre-toasting the rolls ensures they stay crisp even after baking