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Chef Boyardee Meatball Recipe
Ariana Lumi

Chef Boyardee Meatball Recipe

The Chef Boyardee Meatball Recipe deliver rich, creamy, and nostalgic, with tender meatballs, velvety tomato-cheese sauce, and soft pasta for ultimate comfort.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 224

Ingredients
  

  • ½ lb. Ground Beef
  • ½ lb. Ground Chicken
  • ½ cup Gluten-Free Panko
  • ¾ cup Honey and Chicken Bone Broth ⅓ cup broth + 4 tbsp honey
  • 24 oz Tomato Sauce of Choice
  • Pinch of Salt
  • ¾ cup Chicken Bone Broth
  • 1 cup Lactose-Free Milk
  • ½ cup Vermont White Cheddar Aged 6 months or longer
  • 12 oz Gluten-Free Spaghetti
  • 1 tbsp Avocado Oil
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
  • Air fryer or oven
  • Large pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Method
 

  1. Prepare Meatballs: Start by combining ground beef, ground chicken, gluten-free panko, and honey-infused bone broth in a bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until they are fully incorporated. Once the mixture is well combined, roll it into small meatballs. You can make them as small, medium, or large as you prefer just like the classic Chef Boyardee style. Next, place the meatballs in an air fryer at 350°F for 10 minutes, or if you prefer baking, cook them in the oven at 375°F for 15 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gluten-free spaghetti and cook it slightly longer than usual to achieve the extra-soft texture that mimics Chef Boyardee’s signature pasta. Once cooked, drain the pasta, making sure to reserve some of the pasta water. This will help thicken the sauce later for a rich, velvety finish.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, then let it simmer over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Once the sauce is heated through, add lactose-free milk and shredded Vermont white cheddar. Stir continuously until the cheese fully melts, and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt, then taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
  4. Combine Everything: Transfer the cooked meatballs into the simmering sauce, allowing them to soak up all the delicious flavors for about three minutes. Next, add the cooked spaghetti and a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a silky, well-coated texture. Stir everything together, letting the flavors med for another two minutes. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Chef Boyardee-inspired dish!

Video

Notes

  1. Use freshly ground meat: Freshly ground beef and chicken elevate the texture and flavor, making your Chef Boyardee Meatball Recipe even more irresistible.
  2. Do not overmix the meatballs: Overworking the meatball mixture can result in tough meatballs. Be gentle when combining the ingredients for the best texture.
  3. Use a mix of beef and chicken: This combination provides the perfect balance of rich beef flavor and the lean tenderness of chicken, resulting in juicy meatballs.
  4. Let the sauce simmer: The longer the sauce simmers, the more depth of flavor it develops, making it the perfect complement to your Chef Boyardee Meatball Recipe.
  5. Overcook the pasta slightly: For that classic, soft texture reminiscent of Chef Boyardee, allow the pasta to cook just a bit longer than usual.
  6. Save pasta water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water; it thickens the sauce naturally, creating a rich, silky texture that coats the meatballs perfectly.
  7. Do not add milk too early: Add milk to the sauce once it’s heated properly to avoid curdling and achieve a creamy consistency.
  8. Air-fry the meatballs: Air frying your meatballs reduces grease, locking in flavor and creating a crispy exterior while keeping them juicy on the inside.
  9. Grate cheese fresh: Grating cheese fresh ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce without any anti-caking agents affecting its texture, adding to the creaminess of your Chef Boyardee Meatball Recipe.
  10. Taste as you go: Always taste your sauce and meatball mixture as you cook and adjust the seasoning to your preference for the perfect flavor balance.