Description
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. This casserole combines the classic flavors of meatloaf with creamy macaroni and cheese, baked together into a cheesy, savory delight. It’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy cravings for a rich and filling meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Macaroni and Cheese
- 1 cup macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided into 1 cup and 1 cup)
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook macaroni: Cook 1 cup of macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain well to remove excess water.
- Mix meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, chopped onion, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Add macaroni and cheese: Stir the cooked macaroni and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture, evenly distributing the pasta and cheese.
- Prepare casserole: Pour the combined meat and macaroni mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add milk: Pour 1 cup of milk evenly over the top of the mixture in the casserole dish to keep it moist during baking.
- Add topping cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole to create a cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through, and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- You can customize this casserole by adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms into the meat mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- If desired, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a leaner option.
- Use whole milk or 2% milk for creamier texture; alternatively, use a milk substitute to meet dietary needs.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving to let it set and make serving easier.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
