Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
A delightful combination of meatloaf and mac and cheese, this casserole is a hearty meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Can use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup For topping the meatloaf.
For the Mac and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste salt
- Pepper to taste pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- Spread ketchup on top of the meatloaf.
Cooking the Macaroni
- Boil water in a large pot, add elbow macaroni, and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute to make a roux.
- Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until cheese is melted and smooth.
Assembling the Casserole
- Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Carefully spoon the macaroni and cheese around the meatloaf in the casserole dish, filling in the spaces.
Baking
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the macaroni is bubbly.
Serving
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious meatloaf casserole!
Notes
To enhance nutrition, consider adding cooked vegetables like spinach or bell peppers into the meatloaf. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.