Cheesy Meatballs and Shells Casserole

This dish is a combination between a creamy macaroni and cheese and meatballs with gravy. Truly a delicious and comforting dish.

In this recipe you can use either homemade cooked meatballs or store bought meatballs, that have been thawed if frozen. I choose to use frozen meatballs to save me some time. Just make sure if you use small or mini meatballs. This size works better with the size of the shell noodles.

Cheesy Meatballs and Shells Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups medium shell pasta
• 2 pounds small or mini frozen meatballs, thawed

Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1 cup milk, hot
• 4 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese

Beef Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 2 cups low sodium beef stock
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350º F. Spray 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the shells according to the package directions and drain.

Cheese Sauce

1. In a medium sauce pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour until well blended. Continue to whisk for about 1 minute.
3. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue to whisk until thickened.
4. Whisk in the cheese a little bit at a time whisking until the cheese is completely melted and blended.

Beef Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour until well blended. Continue to whisk for about 1-2 minutes.
3. Slowly whisk in the beef stock and continue to whisk until thickened.

Assembly

1. Place the mushroom soup in a large bowl.
2. Gradually stir in the beef sauce and mix until well blended and smooth.
3. Gradually add the cheese sauce to the bowl while stirring. Stir until well blended and smooth.
4. Add in the thawed meatballs and cooked pasta. Gently fold everything together until well blended.
5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until completely heated through.

Enjoy!!!

Notes:
I used a low sodium cream of mushroom soup.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories 684
Total Fat		51.1g
Saturated Fat		23.2g
Polyunsaturated Fat		1g
Monounsaturated Fat		2.5g
Trans Fat		0g
Cholesterol		91mg
Sodium		1279.8mg
Potassium		90.6mg
Total Carbohydrates		31g
Dietary Fiber		2.4g
Sugars		4.3g
Protein		25.9g
Vitamin A 14.39% Vitamin C 0.33%
Calcium 35.89% Iron 3.34%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Bake at Midnight.