A Comfort Food Classic Revamped: Mac 'n' Cheese Meatball Sub Delight

Photo byVal Reed

If you're looking for the ultimate comfort food, your search ends here. Imagine biting into a warm, toasted sub roll, packed with juicy meatballs and gooey mac 'n' cheese—it's a meal that delivers a heavenly blend of flavors and textures. This Mac 'n' Cheese Meatball Sub takes two beloved comfort foods and combines them into one indulgent, mouthwatering feast. It's more than just a meal; it's a celebration of cheesy, savory goodness, perfect for a cozy night in or sharing with friends and family.

The marriage of hearty meatballs and creamy mac 'n' cheese is one that's bound to impress. The meatballs are packed with rich flavors of Parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs, while the mac 'n' cheese is loaded with cheddar and mozzarella, creating a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Together, these two components form a sandwich that’s satisfying, cheesy, and perfect for anyone who loves comfort food with a twist.

Recipe: Mac 'n' Cheese Meatball Sub Feast

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mac 'n' Cheese:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sub Assembly:

• 4 sub rolls or hoagie rolls
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into 12-16 meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
2. Make the Mac 'n' Cheese:
   Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth. Toss in the cooked macaroni to complete the mac 'n' cheese.
3. Assemble the Sub:
   Preheat your broiler. Slice the sub rolls and scoop out a bit of the bread from the center to make room for the filling. Spoon some mac 'n' cheese into each roll, followed by a few baked meatballs. Top the subs with grated Parmesan cheese. Place the sandwiches under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
4. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve these mouthwatering subs hot. They’re perfect for a hearty lunch, dinner, or game day treat.

This Mac 'n' Cheese Meatball Sub is the best of both worlds: creamy and cheesy mac 'n' cheese combined with savory meatballs, all in a warm, toasted roll. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this meal will hit the spot every time. The crispy top of melted Parmesan, the rich flavors of the meatballs, and the smooth, creamy mac 'n' cheese create a perfect harmony that is hard to resist.

To create the Mac 'n' Cheese Meatball Sub, you bring together two classic comfort foods—rich macaroni and cheese and savory meatballs—packed into a delicious sandwich. Here's an updated take on this fusion dish based on similar recipes I found online.

The meatballs are typically made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, which gives them a delicious Italian-style flair. You can also switch things up by adding Italian sausage or turkey bacon for more flavor options​(Real Food by Dad)​(The View from Great Island).

For the mac 'n' cheese, using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella (or even adding a bit of processed cheese like Velveeta) ensures a smooth, creamy sauce​(The View from Great Island)​(Recipes Own). Some recipes even suggest adding a pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes to balance out the flavors​(The View from Great Island).

To assemble the subs, layer a generous helping of mac 'n' cheese into a toasted sub roll, then top it with your baked meatballs. A sprinkle of Parmesan or a quick broil in the oven to brown the cheese on top brings everything together​(Real Food by Dad)​(Recipes Own).

For more creative spins on this dish, consider using alternative cheeses like Gouda or even trying a gluten-free or vegetarian version​(Recipes Own).

Here are some sources with similar recipes to help you explore further:

• The View from Great Island
• Real Food by Dad
• Recipes Own

Enjoy experimenting with this ultimate comfort food combo!