Description
Mouthwatering mac and cheese meatloaf casserole combines comfort classics into one hearty dish. Cheesy layers and savory meat create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy and Pasta Components:
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Thoroughly combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing firmly to create an uniform layer covering the entire bottom surface.
- Roast the meatloaf foundation at 350°F for 20 minutes, allowing initial cooking and flavor development.
- Meanwhile, craft the cheese sauce by melting butter over medium heat in a saucepan, then gently incorporating milk, sour cream, and mustard powder.
- Gradually fold shredded cheddar into the warm liquid mixture, stirring continuously until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Fold cooked macaroni into the prepared cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is thoroughly coated.
- Remove partially cooked meatloaf from the oven and spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly across the surface, creating a seamless second layer.
- Return the casserole to the oven, continuing to bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden and edges become bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from oven, enabling flavors to settle and making serving easier.
Notes
- Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish.
- Mix ingredients gently to prevent dense, tough meatloaf texture.
- Customize mac and cheese layer by adding extra sharp cheddar or pepper jack for bold flavor.
- Consider gluten-free alternatives like almond flour breadcrumbs or gluten-free pasta for dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg