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Comforting Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

mac and cheese meatloaf casserole - featured image
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A nostalgic, cheesy casserole combining rich mac and cheese with seasoned meatloaf, perfect for easy family dinners and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly but not browned.
  4. Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, mozzarella, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  6. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the meatloaf mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
  8. Spoon the mac and cheese mixture over the meatloaf layer, spreading gently.
  9. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese layer.
  10. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature 160°F) and topping is golden brown and crispy.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

If topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. For juicier meatloaf, add extra milk or an egg. Do not overmix meatloaf ingredients to keep it tender. Let casserole rest before serving to set layers.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/comforting-mac-and-cheese-meatloaf-casserole-easy-family-dinner-recipe/