Description
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines classic meatloaf with creamy macaroni and cheese. This easy-to-make casserole merges savory ground beef meatloaf with rich cheese sauce and tender macaroni, baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Macaroni
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf and casserole.
- Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/4 cup milk, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and form into a uniform mixture.
- Form Meatloaf Base: Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into a greased baking dish, creating a solid base layer.
- Initial Bake: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to start cooking the beef layer through.
- Cook Macaroni: While the meatloaf bakes, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for about one minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dry mustard. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce thoroughly. Pour this cheesy macaroni mixture evenly over the baked meatloaf base in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly browned.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning in cheese sauce according to taste; more paprika can add a smoky note.
- Make sure to grease your baking dish well to prevent sticking.
- Let casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mac and cheese, meatloaf casserole, comfort food, baked casserole, cheddar cheese, ground beef
