Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Why Make This Recipe
If you love comfort food, Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a perfect dish for you. It combines two favorites: meatloaf and macaroni and cheese. This recipe is simple yet satisfying, bringing together the heartiness of meatloaf with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. It’s great for family dinners or gatherings, and kids love it!
How to Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup Diced Onion
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg
- 1/4 cup Milk
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 2 cups Uncooked Macaroni
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Flour
- 2 cups Milk (for cheese sauce)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (for cheese sauce)
- 1/4 tsp Pepper (for cheese sauce)
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Dry Mustard
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
- While the meatloaf is baking, cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about one minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
- Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and dry mustard. Add in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese until melted.
- Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Pour this mixture over the partially cooked meatloaf. Sprinkle any remaining cheese on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
How to Serve Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Serve the Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole hot from the oven. You can cut it into squares for easy serving. It pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Enjoy it as a hearty main dish that the whole family will love.
How to Store Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Use lean ground beef to make it a bit healthier.
- Feel free to mix different cheeses for a unique flavor.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatloaf for extra nutrition and taste.
- Adjust the seasonings to your preference; you can make it spicy by adding cayenne pepper.
Variation
Try adding bacon bits to the macaroni and cheese for a smoky flavor. You can also replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use different cheeses such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack for your cheese sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf and macaroni cheese mixture ahead of time. Just assemble the casserole and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole goes well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Ingredients
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 1/2 cup Diced Onion
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg
- 1/4 cup Milk
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- 2 cups Uncooked Macaroni
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese Feel free to mix different cheeses for a unique flavor.
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Flour
- 2 cups Milk (for cheese sauce)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (for cheese sauce)
- 1/4 tsp Pepper (for cheese sauce)
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Dry Mustard
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
Cooking
- While the meatloaf is baking, cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about one minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
- Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and dry mustard. Add in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese until melted.
- Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Pour this mixture over the partially cooked meatloaf. Sprinkle any remaining cheese on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
