Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese with Meatballs & Spinach

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

• 300–400 g ground beef or chicken
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt, pepper, parsley

For the pasta:

• 250 g small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream (optional but makes it richer)
• 1½–2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar + mozzarella works great)
• 1–2 cups fresh spinach
• Salt, pepper, pinch of nutmeg (optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Make the meatballs:
   Mix all meatball ingredients, roll into small balls, and pan-fry until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
2. Cook pasta:
   Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain.
3. Prepare cheese sauce:
   • Melt butter in a pan.
   • Add flour, whisk for 1 minute.
   • Slowly add milk (and cream), whisking to avoid lumps.
   • Cook until thickened.
   • Stir in cheese until melted and smooth.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
4. Add spinach:
   Stir spinach into the hot sauce until wilted.
5. Combine:
   Mix pasta + meatballs + sauce together.
6. Bake:
   Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese.
   Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

🔥 Tips:

• Add a crispy topping (breadcrumbs + butter) for extra texture.
• Use garlic powder or chili flakes for more flavor.
• Swap spinach with mushrooms or broccoli if you prefer.