Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: How to Make It Perfect
Want a kid-friendly dinner that actually satisfies adults too? This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect pick. Discover more now.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef 80/20 blend
- 1 large onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures your mac & cheese meatloaf casserole won’t stick and bakes evenly.
Step 2: Create the Meatloaf Base
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chopped onions for approximately five minutes, or until they are transparent. Cook the minced garlic for a further minute until it becomes aromatic. Using a wooden spoon, break up the ground beef and add it. Cook until it is browned and no longer pink.
Step 3: Season and Bind the Meat
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- While the meat cools slightly, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the elbow macaroni as directed on the package until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Craft the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. To get rid of the flavor of raw flour, whisk in the flour and cook for one minute. Add milk gradually while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 6: Assemble Your Masterpiece
- Press the meatloaf mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spread the cooked spaghetti equally over the meat layer after combining it with the cheese sauce. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and more cheese on top.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Notes
Nutritional Information
(Per Serving – 8 servings total):- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32g (64% DV)
- Carbohydrates: 38g (13% DV)
- Fat: 26g (40% DV)
- Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
- Sugar: 8g