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mac and cheese meatloaf casserole​

mac and cheese meatloaf casserole​

casserolerecipes.net
Try this irresistible mac and cheese meatloaf casserole recipe for a comforting, hearty meal that combines the best of both worlds in one dish!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf Layer:

  • 1 pound ground beef You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option
  • 1 small onion finely chopped (Adds a nice savory depth to the meatloaf)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Helps bind the meatloaf and adds a bit of texture
  • 1/4 cup milk Keeps the meatloaf moist
  • 1 large egg Acts as a binder for the meatloaf
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (For extra flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper For a little kick
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Adds a rich, umami flavor
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Optional, but a great way to add extra flavor

For the Mac and Cheese Layer:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni You can use any pasta shape you prefer, but elbow macaroni is traditional
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for more depth
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk For that creamy mac and cheese consistency
  • 2 tablespoons butter To make it rich and velvety
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour This creates the roux for the creamy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder For extra cheesy flavor
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder Adds a little zing to balance the richness
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika Optional, but gives a nice hint of smokiness

Topping:

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese For a golden, cheesy crust on top
  • Breadcrumbs Optional, for a crispy topping

Pro Tips:

  • Customize your cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses like cheddar Monterey Jack, or even a touch of Parmesan for a richer flavor profile.
  • Use lean ground beef: If you're watching your fat intake lean ground beef or turkey works wonderfully without compromising flavor.
  • Make it your own: Add veggies like spinach bell peppers, or mushrooms to sneak in some extra nutrients and flavor.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures your casserole bakes evenly from the start.
  • Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined, but be sure not to overmix. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough, so just mix until it's all incorporated.
  • Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Form the meat into a loaf shape, pressing it down slightly to ensure it cooks evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Mac and Cheese

  • Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, usually 7-9 minutes. Once done, drain and set aside.
  • Make the Cheese Sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden.
  • Add the Milk: Slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Keep stirring for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  • Incorporate the Cheese: Turn the heat down to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until it melts smoothly. Add the garlic powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. The sauce should be creamy and cheesy, with a smooth texture.
  • Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Stir the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece of pasta is well coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

  • Layer the Meatloaf and Mac and Cheese: Spoon the creamy mac and cheese over the cooked meatloaf layer in the baking dish. Spread it out evenly, covering the meatloaf completely.
  • Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the shredded cheese and a generous handful of breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole. The breadcrumbs will crisp up during baking, creating a delicious golden crust.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

  • Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The cheese should be melted and slightly crispy, and the casserole should be heated through.
  • Let it Rest: Once it’s done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Fat: 25g
    • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Sugars: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Potassium: 350mg
Keyword mac and cheese meatloaf casserole