In the heart of every family gathering, the comfort of home-cooked meals shines through. This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors, bringing together the hearty goodness of meatloaf and the creamy indulgence of mac and cheese. It’s a dish that warms the soul and satisfies every appetite, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
1 lb ground beef 🍖
½ cup breadcrumbs 🍞
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
¼ cup milk 🥛
¼ cup ketchup 🍅
1 large egg 🥚
1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
1 tsp onion powder 🧅
1 tsp salt 🧂
½ tsp black pepper ⚫
For the Mac and Cheese:
2 cups elbow macaroni 🍝
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
2 cups milk 🥛
¼ cup unsalted butter 🧈
2 tbsp all-purpose flour 🌾
½ tsp mustard powder 🌱
Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂⚫
Topping:
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping) 🧀
¼ cup breadcrumbs (for topping) 🍞
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. 🔥
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, ketchup, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until fully combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the meatloaf layer.
Cook the Macaroni: In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine the Mac and Cheese: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the macaroni is well coated.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly over the meatloaf layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle the additional shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs on top.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Enjoy this comforting and hearty Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole as a family-friendly meal! Tag a friend who would love this recipe! 👩🍳👨🍳