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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 508 reviews
  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines the comforting flavors of classic meatloaf with creamy mac and cheese in a single hearty dish. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole brings together ground beef, tender macaroni, rich cheddar cheese, and a blend of seasonings baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a delightful twist on two beloved favorites, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal in about an hour.

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)
  • 1 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the casserole.
  2. Cook Macaroni: Prepare the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well to remove excess water.
  3. Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir together until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  4. Add Macaroni and Cheese: Fold the cooked macaroni and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture, blending gently to combine everything.
  5. Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a casserole dish and pour the meat and macaroni mixture evenly into it.
  6. Add Milk: Pour the cup of milk uniformly over the top of the casserole to add moisture and creaminess during baking.
  7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the surface of the casserole for a golden, bubbly crust.
  8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Using fresh breadcrumbs will give a lighter texture, but store-bought crumbs work fine too.
  • Make sure the macaroni is not overcooked, as it will cook further in the oven and you want it to retain some bite.
  • Feel free to add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added nutrition.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: mac and cheese, meatloaf casserole, comfort food, baked casserole, ground beef recipe, family dinner, cheesy casserole

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Find it online: https://plumandpan.com/mac-and-cheese-meatloaf-casserole-recipe/