Description
Comfort meets creativity in this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, blending hearty ground beef with creamy pasta perfection. Rich layers of cheesy goodness and savory meat promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Layer (Protein and Base):
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Mac and Cheese Layer (Dairy and Pasta):
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Topping:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the meat mixture by combining ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish, carefully pressing and shaping it into an even layer.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the meatloaf base for approximately 25-30 minutes until the meat is nearly fully cooked.
- During the meatloaf baking time, cook macaroni in boiling water according to package directions, then drain thoroughly.
- Create a creamy cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour to create a roux, and gradually incorporating milk while stirring continuously.
- Enhance the cheese sauce with mustard powder and paprika, then gradually blend in shredded cheese until the mixture becomes smooth and fully incorporated.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the prepared cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Remove the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven and spread the mac and cheese mixture uniformly across the surface.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become crispy and bubbly.
Notes
- Lean out the dish by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter protein option.
- Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to the meatloaf mixture for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
- Keep the cheese sauce creamy by using room temperature milk and gradually whisking to prevent lumps from forming.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 537 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 556 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg