Honey Buffalo Meatball Pasta Bake
📌Servings:
4-6 SERVINGS
⏳Prep Time:
15 MINUTES
⏰Cook Time:
45 MINUTES
🍽️Type:
MAIN DISH
👌🏻Perfect For:
hearty dish, comforting meal, spicy sweet, crowd-pleaser, dinner recipe
📝Description:
Get ready for a bold and flavorful dinner with this Honey Buffalo Meatball Pasta Bake! Tender, juicy meatballs are coated in a sweet and spicy honey buffalo sauce, then baked with pasta and topped with melted cheese for a perfectly comforting dish. The combination of buffalo sauce and honey provides a delicious balance of heat and sweetness, while the meatballs bring a satisfying heartiness. This easy-to-make bake is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you crave a hearty meal with a bit of a kick.
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🍯Ingredients
1 lb ground beef or turkey (or a mix of both)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite variety)
1 cup buffalo sauce
1/2 cup Fingerlakes Honey Company honey
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
Optional Add-ins:
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Blue cheese crumbles (for extra flavor)
Sautéed onions or bell peppers for added sweetness and crunch
🥣Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (firm but tender). Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine: Ground beef (or turkey), Breadcrumbs, Grated Parmesan cheese, Egg, Garlic powder, Onion powder, and Salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.Once hot, add the meatballs and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. The meatballs don’t need to be fully cooked through, as they will bake further in the oven. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together: Buffalo sauce, Honey, and Heavy cream. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, combine: Cooked pasta, Cooked meatballs, and Honey buffalo sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta and meatballs are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the top with: Shredded cheddar cheese and Grated Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Let the pasta bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or blue cheese crumbles if desired. Enjoy!
Customizations & Variations:
Make it spicier: Add extra buffalo sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Milder version: Use less buffalo sauce and more honey for a sweeter, less spicy dish.
Swap the meat: You can swap the beef for turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian meatball substitute for a lighter option.
Add vegetables: Stir in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
*Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.
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Honey Buffalo Meatball Pasta Bake
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