Description
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines classic meatloaf with creamy macaroni and cheese. This easy-to-make casserole layers seasoned ground beef meatloaf with a rich, cheesy pasta sauce, baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for family dinners and cozy nights in, it merges two beloved comfort foods into one satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meatloaf
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup Onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg
- 1/4 cup Milk
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
Macaroni and Cheese
- 2 cups Macaroni, uncooked
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Dry Mustard
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded (divided: 1 1/2 cups for sauce, 1/2 cup for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Meatloaf: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Press this meat mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, forming the base layer for the casserole.
- Bake Meatloaf: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the meatloaf layer for 20 minutes. This partial cooking helps set the meat before adding the macaroni and cheese.
- Cook Macaroni: While the meatloaf bakes, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside for layering.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk, continuing to cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp dry mustard. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the partially baked meatloaf. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top for a nice melted cheese crust.
- Bake Again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Notes
- This dish combines classic meatloaf and macaroni and cheese into one comforting casserole, perfect for family meals.
- Partially baking the meatloaf before adding the macaroni prevents overcooking the pasta while ensuring the meat cooks through.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a richer flavor in the cheese sauce.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute ground turkey for beef and use reduced-fat cheese and milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
