Description
Comfort meets culinary creativity in this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, blending classic American flavors into one irresistible dish. Cheesy, hearty layers promise a satisfying meal that connects generations through pure, nostalgic deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (for topping)
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Base and Thickeners:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix ingredients until well incorporated, then shape into a compact meatloaf and press evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Fill a pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until perfectly al dente, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Create the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Reduce heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until completely melted and integrated. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- Pour cheese sauce over cooked macaroni, stirring to ensure even coating. Spread the cheesy macaroni mixture uniformly across the prepared meatloaf base.
- Generously sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs over the top for a crispy, golden finish.
- Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and cheese becomes bubbly. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
- Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like smoked gouda or sharp white cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
- Consider adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the meatloaf mixture for extra nutrition and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg