Description
A comforting and hearty Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole that combines savory ground beef meatloaf with creamy, cheesy macaroni, baked to perfection. This recipe is perfect for family dinners and makes delicious leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Mac and Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional topping)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Meatloaf Layer: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined. Press the meat mixture evenly into the baking dish to form a flat layer and bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Cook Macaroni: While the meatloaf bakes, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika until melted and smooth. Add the cooked macaroni and stir until well-coated with the cheese sauce.
- Combine and Bake: Remove the meatloaf layer from the oven. Carefully drain any excess grease from the meat layer. Spoon the mac and cheese mixture evenly over the meatloaf layer. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top if using. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, stir in cooked bacon or jalapeños into the mac and cheese layer before baking.
- This recipe is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd and tastes great as leftovers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
