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Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
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The Easy Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal that combines the savory flavor of classic meatloaf with creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this hearty casserole uses simple pantry staples and delivers a satisfying blend of protein, carbs, and cheese that kids and adults will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Layer

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Macaroni and Cheese

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Macaroni and Cheese: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente, then drain. In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly add the milk while whisking to make a creamy béchamel sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and set aside.
  2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, pepper, and ketchup. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatloaf tender.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a casserole dish. Spread half of the macaroni and cheese evenly on the bottom of the dish, then layer the meatloaf mixture on top, gently flattening it. Cover the meatloaf layer with the remaining macaroni and cheese.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the top is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; keep it slightly firm as it will continue cooking in the oven.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for more flavor and better meltability.
  • Mix the meatloaf ingredients gently to avoid a tough texture.
  • Let the casserole rest after baking to set the layers and make slicing easier.
  • For a crunchy topping, sprinkle extra breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, meatloaf, casserole, comfort food, family meal

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/mac-and-cheese-meatloaf-casserole/