Description
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup that combines hearty meatloaf with creamy macaroni and cheese. Baked in one dish, it’s a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meatloaf
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup Onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg
- 1/4 cup Milk
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
Macaroni
- 2 cups Macaroni, uncooked
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Dry Mustard
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded (divided: 1 1/2 cups for sauce, 1/2 cup for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the meatloaf and casserole.
- Prepare Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake Meatloaf: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the meatloaf base for 20 minutes to start cooking the meat.
- Cook Macaroni: While the meatloaf is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the cooked macaroni and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp dry mustard. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine: Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Pour this cheesy macaroni mixture over the partially baked meatloaf in the baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake Again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the meatloaf is fully cooked through.
Notes
- This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines two classic comfort foods into one hearty dish, perfect for family dinners.
- Make sure to partially bake the meatloaf before adding the macaroni and cheese to ensure even cooking.
- You can customize the cheese with your favorite types or add some cooked veggies for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers reheat well and make great next-day meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
