Description
Comfort classics collide in this mac and cheese-stuffed meatloaf casserole, blending hearty proteins with creamy pasta. Layers of savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and pasta create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Protein:
- 1 pound (453.6 grams) ground beef
Meatloaf Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a 375F (190C) oven and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with grease for optimal cooking surface.
- Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, ensuring thorough incorporation of all ingredients.
- Distribute the meat mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer that will serve as the casserole’s foundation.
- Roast the initial meat layer for 20-25 minutes, allowing it to partially cook and develop initial flavor structure.
- Meanwhile, craft the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, creating a smooth roux by incorporating flour and cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually introduce milk to the roux, whisking consistently until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer and thickens within 3-4 minutes.
- Integrate shredded cheddar cheese, mustard powder, salt, and pepper into the sauce, stirring until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece becomes thoroughly coated.
- Extract the partially cooked meat layer from the oven and carefully spread the mac and cheese mixture across the surface.
- Enhance the casserole by sprinkling additional shredded cheese and breadcrumbs, creating a textured, crispy topping.
- Return the assembled casserole to the 375F oven, baking for 15-20 minutes until the surface turns golden and the meatloaf completes cooking.
- Allow the casserole to rest for several minutes before serving, enabling flavors to settle and making cutting easier.
Notes
- Enhance meat mixture tenderness by avoiding overmixing, which can make the meatloaf tough and dense.
- Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to prevent excessive greasiness while maintaining flavor and moisture.
- Consider adding finely grated Parmesan cheese to the meatloaf mixture for extra depth and savory undertones.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or pepper jack for varied mac and cheese flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 555 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg