Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Meatballs Recipe
Updated Jun 06, 2018, Published Sep 20, 2012
This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
This recipe comes to you thanks to my g-kids, a difference of opinion that quickly escalated into a conflict to rival that in the Middle East, and the Nobel Prize-winning-worthy peace-keeping efforts of yours truly.
It all started out innocently enough.
Me – “Hey guys, what should we make for dinner?”
Simultaneously: Him – “Meatballs!” Her – “Mac and Cheese!”
Followed by (also simultaneously): Him- “NO! Meatballs!” Her – “NO! Mac and Cheese!”
This went on for what seemed like an hour, each time his voice becoming lower and more menacing and her voice becoming higher and more screeching.
Me – “Why don’t we make both?”
Them – “NO!!!” (At least on that they could agree.)
Why this was not a viable option is beyond me but I have long since learned that trying to make sense of things that are innately illogical is a colossal waste of time and energy.
Me – “Well then, let’s figure out how to make a meatball out of Mac and Cheese.”
Them – (blissful) silence.
Followed by: Them (eagerly, enthusiastically) – “OK! Let’s do it!”
Now it was up to ME to figure out how to do it.
I always keep a few boxes of Pastariso Gluten Free Mac and Cheeze in my pantry for two reasons; one is that it is an easy snack the g-kids can make themselves for one of the seventeen-times-a-day they need to eat lest they starve to death and secondly, I once spent four hours making a delightful four cheese gluten free macaroni and cheese dish only to have the kids very politely tell me that they preferred the stuff in the box.
So, armed with a box of Mac and Cheeze, some ground beef and a lot of chutzpa, we went about creating gluten-free Mac and Cheese Meatballs.
They were a big hit and peace reigned all through dinner and even a little beyond. And then came the difference of opinion regarding WHOSE idea this fabulous creation was.
Simultaneously: Him – “Mine!” Her – “Mine!”
At which point I exercised my God-given right as a g-parent. I sent them back home to their parents!
Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (5 ounce) package Pastariso Mac and Cheeze
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, grated
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 1 cup gluten free bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Gluten free non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Prepare the Mac and Cheeze according to the package directions, omitting the additional milk and butter. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Combine the ground beef with the grated onion and carrot, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Add in the prepared Mac and Cheeze. Using about ¼ cup per meatball, roll into balls. Place on prepared baking sheets, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 20 minutes or until they are browned. The meatballs will feel soft; they firm up a little as they cool. Let cool for 5 minutes and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owner’s. This blog accepts free manufacturers’ samples and forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. Affiliate links may be included in this post.<
Perfect solution indeed! Win win :)
Thanks! I thought so :)
Your story has me cracking up – I can see (and hear) it now. This is a great solution!
Yes, it is funny – NOW! Thank you.
Hahaha! LMAO. Sounds just like home with my two. Great recipe!
Thanks Donna!
What a great idea! And you really do deserve a Noble prize :)
Thanks Geena!
Adorable!
Thnaks Joy!
My one child only likes the boxed stuff, the other loves cheese & pasta any way she can get it.
I am like the one that likes it any way she can get it.
Which Gf Pastario Mac & Cheese did you use? I see several rice varieties and vegan. Thank you in advance for your reply.
Marilynn,
You can use any packaged GF mac & cheese recipe you like, this one was not vegan and it had the rice noodles. Just make sure it’s a 5 oz package.
xo,
Carol