Ultimate Comfort Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/2 cup milk, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Mix until well combined.
- Press the meat mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, forming an even layer.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- While the meatloaf is baking, cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk, mustard powder, and smoked paprika. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the macaroni and cheese evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
- Kcal: 550 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
FAQs:
- What is Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole? Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines two classic comfort foods: meatloaf and macaroni and cheese. It typically consists of a layer of meatloaf topped with creamy macaroni and cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden.
- How do you make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole? To make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, start by preparing a meatloaf mixture using ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. Press the meatloaf mixture into the bottom of a casserole dish. Prepare a batch of macaroni and cheese using cooked pasta and a cheese sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheese. Spread the mac and cheese over the meatloaf layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Can I use boxed macaroni and cheese for this casserole? Yes, you can use boxed macaroni and cheese for convenience. Simply prepare the boxed mac and cheese according to the package instructions and layer it on top of the meatloaf mixture before baking. This can save time and simplify the preparation process.
- What are some variations of Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole? There are many ways to customize Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. You can add vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the meatloaf mixture for added flavor and nutrition. For a different twist, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also experiment with different types of cheese in the mac and cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Gouda, to create unique flavor combinations.
- How do I store and reheat leftovers of Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave and heat until warmed through, or cover the entire casserole with foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly. Adding a splash of milk or cream before reheating can help maintain the creamy texture of the mac and cheese.