Description
Hearty mac and cheese meatloaf casserole brings comfort food to new heights, blending creamy pasta with savory ground beef. Melted cheese and rich layers create a satisfying meal sure to delight families craving classic home-style cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Pasta and Cheese Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 cups macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare a greased baking dish for the meatloaf.
- Combine ground beef with bread crumbs, egg, diced onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Firmly press the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Roast the meatloaf for 30 minutes until it begins to brown and release juices.
- Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente.
- Create a smooth cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour, and cooking for one minute.
- Gradually pour milk into the butter-flour mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Incorporate shredded cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and creamy.
- Fold the cheese sauce into the cooked macaroni, ensuring thorough coating.
- Spread the cheesy macaroni evenly over the partially cooked meatloaf.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the top is golden and edges are bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving hot.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter, leaner protein option that reduces saturated fat.
- Enhance flavor depth by adding smoked paprika or garlic powder to the meatloaf mixture for a more complex taste profile.
- Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free bread crumbs and checking that Worcestershire sauce is wheat-free.
- Elevate the cheese sauce’s richness by mixing different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or monterey jack for a more sophisticated flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg