The Ultimate Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole that promises pure deliciousness.

Layers of cheesy pasta and savory meat create an irresistible combination.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Home cooks can easily assemble this satisfying meal with simple pantry staples.

Melted cheese and seasoned ground beef make every bite memorable.

Rich, creamy textures promise a dinner that everyone will love.

Dive into this ultimate comfort meal that brings smiles to the table.

The Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Overview

• Comfort Food Champion: A mouthwatering combination of two classic dishes that guarantees ultimate satisfaction for hungry families and comfort food lovers.
• Crowd-Pleasing Powerhouse: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and weekend dinners where everyone craves a hearty, delicious meal that brings smiles to the table.
• Simple Cooking Adventure: Requires basic cooking skills and standard kitchen ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels who want to create something spectacular without complex techniques.
• Customizable Culinary Delight: Easily adaptable with optional ingredients like mustard powder or different cheese varieties, allowing personal creativity and flavor experimentation in the kitchen.

Ingredients in Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich base that provides the foundation for the meatloaf layer.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: Help bind the meatloaf mixture together and provide structure.
• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: Add tangy sweetness and depth of flavor to the meat.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that boost the overall taste of the meatloaf.

• Butter: Creates a rich base for the cheese sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Milk: Provides the liquid base for the creamy cheese sauce.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Delivers the classic cheesy flavor and creamy consistency.
• Mustard Powder: Adds a subtle tangy note to the cheese sauce.
• Macaroni: The classic pasta that forms the base of the mac and cheese layer.
• Extra Shredded Cheese, Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy, golden topping for the casserole.

Stepwise Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Instructions

Step 1: Kickstart the Meatloaf

Warm up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick grease.

In a spacious mixing bowl, toss together ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Dive in with your hands and blend everything until it’s perfectly combined.

Press this meaty mixture into the baking dish, creating an even layer. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until it’s partially cooked.

Step 2: Craft the Creamy Cheese Sauce

While the meatloaf is sizzling, start your mac and cheese magic. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Sprinkle in flour and let it cook for a quick 1-2 minutes to create a golden roux. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mustard powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix until the cheese melts into a silky smooth sauce.

Fold in the cooked macaroni, coating every noodle with cheesy goodness.

Step 3: Layer and Top the Casserole

Pull the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven.

Carefully spread the mac and cheese mixture over the top. Sprinkle an extra handful of shredded cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden crown.

Step 4: Final Bake

Return the casserole to the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the meatloaf cooks through completely.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Slice, serve, and dive into this ultimate comfort food experience!

Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for a more tender and flavorful meatloaf base that melts in your mouth.
• Add a blend of sharp cheddar and monterey jack for a more complex and rich cheese sauce that elevates the entire dish.
• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture and don't overbake to keep the meatloaf layer moist and juicy throughout cooking.
• Combine panko breadcrumbs with grated parmesan cheese for an extra crunchy and golden-brown surface that adds delightful texture.
• Replace half the ground beef with lean ground turkey to reduce calories and create a lighter version of this comfort food classic.

Flavor Variations on Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Spicy Jalapeño Mac and Cheese Meatloaf: Add diced jalapeños to the meatloaf mixture and mix shredded pepper jack cheese into the mac and cheese for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Lamb Meatloaf Casserole: Replace ground beef with ground lamb, mix in oregano and mint, use feta cheese in the mac and cheese, and top with chopped parsley.
• Smoky BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Meatloaf: Mix barbecue sauce into the meatloaf, sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top, and add smoked gouda to the cheese sauce for a rich, smoky flavor.

Pairing Ideas with Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole, cutting through the creamy cheese and enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a fresh mixed greens salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the dish, adding brightness and lightness to the meal.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted broccoli or asparagus with garlic and olive oil to provide a nutritious side that adds color and texture to the plate while offering a healthy counterpoint to the indulgent casserole.

Proper Storage of Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.

Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.

Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat for the meatloaf base?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of meats for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the meat is lean to prevent excess grease.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your flour is gluten-free when making the cheese sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

• How can I prevent the mac and cheese from becoming dry?

Add a little extra milk to the cheese sauce to keep it creamy. Also, don’t overbake the casserole, which can cause the top to dry out. Cover with foil if you notice it browning too quickly.

The Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets creativity in this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, a hearty dish blending classic American favorites. Creamy pasta layers mingle with savory ground beef, promising a satisfying meal that brings warmth to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Meat Layer:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Mac and Cheese Layer:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Topping:

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Distribute the meat mixture uniformly across the bottom of the baking dish, creating an even layer that will serve as the casserole’s foundation.
4. Bake the initial meat layer for 20-25 minutes, allowing it to partially cook and develop initial flavor profiles.
5. While the meat bakes, craft the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then incorporate flour to create a smooth roux.
6. Gradually introduce milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a silky consistency. Simmer until the sauce thickens, approximately 3-4 minutes.
7. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, mustard powder, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth.
8. Integrate cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated with the creamy mixture.
9. Extract the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven and delicately spread the mac and cheese layer across the surface.
10. Enhance the casserole by sprinkling additional shredded cheese and breadcrumbs, creating a tantalizing crispy topping.
11. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, allowing the top to transform into a golden-brown, crispy crust and ensuring the meatloaf reaches complete doneness.
12. After removing from the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set, then slice and serve this decadent comfort food creation.

Notes

• Customize the meat blend by mixing ground beef with ground pork or turkey for extra flavor and leaner protein options.
• Ensure the meatloaf is partially cooked before adding mac and cheese to prevent a soggy bottom and guarantee even cooking throughout the dish.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or almond flour.
• Enhance the cheese sauce’s richness by adding a splash of heavy cream or using a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg