Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting twist on two classic favorites. This hearty dish layers a savory meatloaf base with creamy macaroni and melted cheddar cheese, making it perfect for family dinners. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups uncooked macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk (for meatloaf)
• 2 tbsp butter (for cheese sauce)
• 2 cups milk (for cheese sauce)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard
• 2 tbsp flour

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Mix well and press the mixture into a greased baking dish to form the meatloaf base.
3. Step 3: Bake the meatloaf for 20 minutes.
4. Step 4: While the meatloaf bakes, cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
5. Step 5: To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for one minute to form a roux.
6. Step 6: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dry mustard. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Step 7: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the baked meatloaf layer. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese on top.
8. Step 8: Bake the casserole for an additional 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and sharp cheddar for extra flavor and creaminess.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added nutrition and texture.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to make serving easier and to allow flavors to settle.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked macaroni instead of uncooked?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the timing by adding the macaroni and cheese sauce on top of the meatloaf without cooking the pasta again, then bake until heated through and bubbly.

What can I substitute for dry mustard in the cheese sauce?

If you don’t have dry mustard, you can substitute with a small amount of prepared mustard or omit it altogether. The cheese sauce will still be flavorful thanks to the paprika and cheddar cheese.

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 120 reviews

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish combining classic meatloaf with creamy macaroni and cheese. Ground beef is mixed with traditional meatloaf seasonings and baked, then topped with cheesy macaroni and baked again until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a family dinner that satisfies both meat lovers and pasta fans.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk (for meatloaf)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Pasta

• 2 cups uncooked macaroni

Cheese Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard

Topping

• Remaining shredded cheddar cheese for topping (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the meatloaf and casserole layers evenly.
2. Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Form and Bake Meatloaf: Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into a greased baking dish to form a layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to partially cook the meatloaf.
4. Cook Macaroni: While the meatloaf bakes, cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
5. Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for one minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dry mustard. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is coated evenly.
7. Assemble Casserole: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture over the partially baked meatloaf layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
8. Bake Casserole: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese topping is melted and lightly browned.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• For extra flavor, add minced garlic or chopped bell peppers to the meatloaf mixture.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy taste.
• If you prefer a thicker cheese sauce, reduce the milk slightly or add more cheese.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: mac and cheese, meatloaf casserole, comfort food, baked casserole, cheesy pasta, ground beef recipe