Description
This Creamy BBQ Ranch Meatball & Cheddar Rigatoni recipe offers a comforting blend of American and Italian flavors. Hearty meatballs are coated in a rich BBQ ranch sauce, combined with rigatoni pasta, and topped with melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb meatballs (homemade or frozen)
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and heavy cream, mixing well until combined to create the creamy BBQ ranch meatball sauce.
- Combine the cooked rigatoni with the meatball mixture, ensuring that the pasta is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, for a delicious creamy BBQ ranch meatball dinner.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use turkey or chicken meatballs.
- To make this creamy BBQ ranch meatball dish vegetarian, substitute meatballs with plant-based alternatives or roasted vegetables.
- Add diced jalapeños or spicy BBQ sauce for a spicier creamy BBQ ranch meatball experience.
- Prepare this dish in advance by storing it in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
- This creamy BBQ ranch meatball recipe is freezer-friendly for up to 3 months before baking.
- Reheat leftovers on the stovetop with a splash of cream to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg