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Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

A thick slice of mac and cheese meatloaf casserole showing layers of seasoned ground meat and cheesy pasta.
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Combine two comfort food favorites into one hearty, cheesy baked dish. This recipe layers savory meatloaf with creamy baked macaroni and cheese for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup, divided
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Prepare the meatloaf mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup milk, egg, onion, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tablespoons of the ketchup. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
  3. Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread 2 tablespoons of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf layer. Bake the meatloaf layer for 20 minutes.
  4. While the meatloaf bakes, cook the macaroni: Bring 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil in a saucepan. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  5. Prepare the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the 3 cups of milk until smooth. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
  6. Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the mustard powder, nutmeg, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Gently fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
  8. Remove the partially baked meatloaf from the oven. Carefully spoon the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer.
  9. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit) and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For an extra cheesy topping, sprinkle 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the mac and cheese layer before the final bake.
  • If you prefer a layered look, you can cook the meatloaf separately in a loaf pan and place it on top of the baked mac and cheese in the casserole dish after both components are cooked.
  • Use a mix of your favorite cheeses for the best flavor; Gruyère or smoked Gouda work well here.

Nutrition

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