Cheddar Wagon Wheels and Chili Meatballs Recipe
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey with this delightful recipe for Cheddar Wagon Wheels and Chili Meatballs. 🍝 Perfect for a quick meal that’s bursting with flavor, this Tex-Mex-inspired dish combines the richness of cheddar cheese, the boldness of chili powder, and the comforting goodness of meatballs. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Egg | 1 |
| Bread crumbs | 1/4 cup |
| Brown sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Chili powder | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Ground cumin | 3/4 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Half-and-half | 1/4 cup |
| Butter | 8 tbsp |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can |
| Wagon wheel pasta | as desired |
Instructions
Let’s get cooking!
-
Prepare the Meatballs:
- Begin by lightly beating the egg in a mixing bowl.
- Add in the ground beef, bread crumbs, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, and garlic powder.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
-
Shape the Meatballs:
- With your hands, shape the meat mixture into 16 evenly-sized meatballs.
-
Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides.
- Once browned, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and continue cooking until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink in the middle.
- Drain the cooked meatballs on a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess grease.
-
Cook the Pasta:
- While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the wagon wheel pasta according to the package instructions.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a separate pan over medium-high heat, whisk together the half-and-half, 1/2 cup of water, remaining chili powder, and remaining ground cumin.
- Add the butter to the pan and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and stir in the diced tomatoes.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld together.
-
Combine Everything:
- Once the meatballs and pasta are cooked, toss the cooked pasta with the prepared sauce until evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the cooked meatballs, ensuring they are well distributed throughout the pasta and sauce.
-
Serve and Enjoy!
- Divide the Cheddar Wagon Wheels and Chili Meatballs among plates or serving bowls.
- Garnish with additional shredded cheddar cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve hot and savor every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 644.9
- Fat: 29.7g
- Saturated Fat: 13.5g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
- Sodium: 424.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 59.7g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7.8g
- Protein: 33.8g
Recipe Notes
- Feel free to adjust the level of chili powder and ground cumin according to your taste preferences. You can add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.
- For a creamy and indulgent twist, you can sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove for a quick and easy meal.
