Description
Hearty mac and cheese meatloaf casserole brings comfort to dinner tables with its rich, cheesy layers. Melted cheddar, ground beef, and pasta combine for a satisfying meal that will delight you at first bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons flour
Liquid and Produce Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup milk (for mac and cheese)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (plus more for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
Instructions
- Prepare the meatloaf base by thoroughly blending ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, milk, diced onion, ketchup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9×9 inch casserole dish, pressing firmly to create an even layer covering the entire bottom surface.
- Roast the meatloaf in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25 minutes, allowing it to partially cook and develop initial flavor.
- Meanwhile, craft a velvety cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour to create a roux, then gradually incorporating milk while continuously stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Incorporate cheddar cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and creating a rich, creamy consistency.
- Coat the cooked macaroni thoroughly with the prepared cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously covered.
- Spread the cheese-coated macaroni evenly over the partially cooked meatloaf, creating a uniform top layer.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to become golden, bubbly, and slightly crisp around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for healthier protein options and reduced fat content.
- Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to the meatloaf mixture for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure cheese is gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Create a crispy top by sprinkling breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the mac and cheese layer before final baking for added texture and crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 594 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg