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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 60 reviews

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup combining savory meatloaf with creamy mac and cheese. The dish features a flavorful ground beef meatloaf base topped with cheesy macaroni baked to perfection in the oven, creating a hearty, satisfying casserole perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf

  • 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

Macaroni

  • 2 cups uncooked macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dry mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Make Meatloaf Base: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/4 cup milk, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly, then press the mixture evenly into a greased baking dish to form the meatloaf layer.
  3. Bake Meatloaf: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the meatloaf base for 20 minutes to partially cook it before adding the topping.
  4. Cook Macaroni: While the meatloaf is baking, cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  5. Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about one minute to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
  6. Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dry mustard for a flavorful cheese sauce base.
  7. Melt Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
  8. Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated well.
  9. Assemble Casserole: Pour the cheesy macaroni mixture evenly over the partially baked meatloaf layer. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
  10. Bake Final Casserole: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.

Notes

  • The breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf together; you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
  • For a more intense cheese flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set before serving.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatloaf mixture for extra nutrition.
  • If you prefer, use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.

Keywords: mac and cheese, meatloaf casserole, comfort food, cheesy casserole, ground beef casserole, baked mac and cheese, family dinner

Find it online: https://lieblingsmahlzeit.com/mac-and-cheese-meatloaf-casserole-the-ultimate-comfort-food-mashup-recipe/