Description
Comfort meets creativity in this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, where classic diner favorites merge into one irresistible dish. Hearty layers of seasoned ground beef and creamy pasta promise a satisfying meal that comforts and delights you at first bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a casserole dish for layering.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, finely diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Carefully press the meat mixture into the casserole dish, creating a uniform meatloaf layer that covers the entire bottom surface.
- Roast the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, ensuring the meat is partially cooked and releasing its initial flavors.
- While the meatloaf bakes, prepare macaroni according to package directions, cooking until al dente.
- Create a smooth cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour to form a golden roux, then gradually incorporating milk while continuously stirring.
- Once the sauce thickens, introduce shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted and silky.
- Combine the prepared macaroni with the creamy cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly.
- Remove the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven and spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly across the top.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the surface turns golden and the edges become bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, which helps set the layers and makes cutting easier.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter, healthier alternative that still delivers rich flavor.
- Enhance protein content by mixing different cheese types like sharp cheddar and gruyère for deeper, more complex taste profile.
- Add extra texture by sprinkling breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before final baking for a delightful crispy golden crust.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble quickly, making this a perfect weeknight dinner solution for busy families.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg