Description
Mac and cheese meatloaf casserole combines classic comfort dishes into one hearty meal. Cheese lovers will appreciate this rich, savory creation that brings together two beloved favorites in a single satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
Grains and Binding:
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
- 2 cups (226 grams) cooked macaroni
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
Sauce Components:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) milk
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Combine ground beef with diced onions, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, blending thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared dish, creating an even, compact layer that fills the entire bottom surface.
- Roast the meatloaf base for 20-25 minutes until it begins to set and releases initial juices.
- Meanwhile, craft the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour to develop a smooth roux for approximately one minute.
- Stream milk into the roux gradually, whisking continuously to prevent lumps, then incorporate mustard powder, salt, and pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Gradually fold shredded cheddar into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated.
- Extract the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven and lavishly spread the mac and cheese mixture across the entire surface.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the layers to set before serving.
Notes
- Customize the meat mixture by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere to add depth and complexity to the mac and cheese sauce.
- Enhance the meatloaf’s flavor by adding finely chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to the meat mixture for an extra aromatic touch.
- Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 505 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg