Description
Comfort meets indulgence in this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, blending classic American flavors into one hearty dish. Creamy pasta, savory ground beef, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
Liquids and Pasta:
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups milk (for cheese sauce)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Heat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F (175°C), preparing a greased baking dish for the upcoming culinary creation.
- Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, whisking in a beaten egg and milk, then season with salt and pepper to create a well-mixed meatloaf base.
- Carefully press the seasoned meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even, compact layer.
- Cook macaroni in boiling water until perfectly al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Craft a velvety cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour to form a smooth roux.
- Gradually introduce milk to the roux, incorporating mustard and garlic powders while continuously stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes luxuriously creamy.
- Fold in shredded cheese, stirring until completely melted and the sauce reaches a silky consistency.
- Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is lavishly coated.
- Spread the cheesy macaroni mixture evenly over the prepared meatloaf, creating an appetizing two-layer casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and ensuring the meatloaf is cooked completely through.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the layers to set and flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier protein option that keeps the dish versatile and diet-friendly.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this casserole completely gluten-free without compromising flavor or texture.
- Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to the meatloaf mixture for increased nutritional value and a hidden veggie boost.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or smoked gouda to elevate the mac and cheese flavor profile and create a more complex taste experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg