Introduction:
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines two beloved classics into one delicious casserole. Imagine creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese layered with savory, tender meatloaf – it’s a meal that satisfies both your pasta cravings and your love for hearty meat dishes. The flavors meld together beautifully in the oven, creating a dish that’s perfect for a family dinner, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with something unique yet familiar.
Ingredients:
For the Mac and Cheese:
1 lb elbow macaroni (or any pasta of your choice)
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp mustard powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Meatloaf:
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Cook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the meatloaf mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the greased baking dish.
Bake the meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until it’s fully cooked and browned on top. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Make the cheese sauce: While the meatloaf is baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, then continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Once the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, remove from heat.
Assemble the casserole: Once the meatloaf has rested, crumble it into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Add the crumbled meatloaf and mix well.
Top the casserole: Spread the mac and cheese-meatloaf mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter on top.
Bake the casserole: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Description:
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole brings together the best of both worlds. The creamy, cheesy macaroni contrasts perfectly with the savory, tender meatloaf, making each bite a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It’s a comfort food lover’s dream and is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
Tips:
For extra flavor, you can add some sautéed onions, garlic, or bell peppers to the meatloaf mixture.
Use a blend of cheeses for more depth of flavor, such as adding some gouda, provolone, or parmesan to the cheese sauce.
To make this dish even richer, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the mac and cheese sauce.
If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meatloaf.
Variations:
Vegetarian Option: You can substitute the meatloaf with a plant-based meat substitute or a veggie loaf, and use vegan cheese for the mac and cheese sauce.
Spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the meatloaf mixture or cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
Bacon Lover’s: Crumble cooked bacon over the casserole before baking for an added smoky flavor.
Corrections:
Make sure to let the meatloaf rest before crumbling to prevent excess moisture from affecting the casserole’s texture.
You can adjust the cooking times based on the thickness of your meatloaf or casserole. If the meatloaf is particularly thick, it may need a little more baking time.
Enjoy: Dig in and savor the comforting layers of creamy mac and cheese and savory meatloaf – it’s the ultimate casserole to satisfy your cravings!