Cheddar Wagon Wheels and Chili Meatballs Recipe

Name: Cheddar Wagon Wheels and Chili Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 egg; 1 lb ground beef; ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs; 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder, divided; ¾ teaspoon ground cumin, divided; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; 8 ounces wagon wheel macaroni; 1 package creamy cheddar pasta sauce mix; 1 cup half-and-half; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained

Servings: persons

1 egg
1 lb ground beef
¼ cup plain breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons chili powder, divided
¾ teaspoon ground cumin, divided
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
8 ounces wagon wheel macaroni
1 package creamy cheddar pasta sauce mix
1 cup half-and-half
1 tablespoon butter
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained

1
Lighlty beat egg; stir in beef, crumbs, sugar, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, and garlic powder.
2
Shape mix into 16 meatballs.
3
Heat large skillet over med-high heat.
4
Add meatballs and cook; turning until browned on all sides.
5
Reduce heat to med-low and cover.
6
Cook until they are no longer pink in the middle.
7
Drain on paper towels.
8
Cook pasta according to package.
9
In pan over med-high heat, whisk sauce mix, half and half, 1/2 cup water and remaining chili powder and cumin.
10
Add butter and cook stirring constantly until mixture boils.
11
Reduce heat to low and stir in tomatoes.
12
Simmer 3 minutes.
13
Toss pasta with sauce and meatballs.

590

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 egg, 1 lb ground beef, ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, and more.

Yes, Cheddar Wagon Wheels and Chili Meatballs falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Cheddar Wagon Wheels and Chili Meatballs

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions