Description
Creamy mac and cheese meatloaf casserole blends comfort food classics into one irresistible dish. Hearty layers of seasoned ground beef, cheesy pasta, and golden breadcrumbs promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Base:
- 1 pound (500 g) ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
- ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
- ¼ cup (60 ml) ketchup
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Mac and Cheese Topping Ingredients:
- 2 cups (200 g) elbow macaroni, cooked according to package instructions
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Warm the kitchen oven to a moderate temperature of 180C (350F). Grease a rectangular baking vessel thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Combine ground beef with soft breadcrumbs, creamy milk, whisked egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, and seasoning elements. Gently fold ingredients together without overmixing. Distribute the meat mixture uniformly across the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth, compact foundation.
- Allow the meat base to roast in the heated oven for approximately 15 minutes while simultaneously crafting the creamy pasta topping.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over gentle heat. Introduce flour and create a silky roux by stirring continuously. Slowly incorporate milk, whisking until the mixture transforms into a thick, luxurious sauce. Remove from heat and fold in sharp cheddar cheese until a velvety consistency emerges. Incorporate mustard powder for an extra flavor dimension. Thoroughly coat cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce.
- Extract the partially cooked meat base from the oven. Layer the cheesy pasta mixture evenly across the surface. Generously sprinkle additional cheddar cheese to create a golden, crispy crust.
- Return the assembled casserole to the oven. Bake until the cheese melts into a bubbling, bronzed topping, typically requiring 20-25 minutes of cooking time.
- Allow the casserole to rest and settle for a brief interval. Slice into hearty portions and serve alongside fresh, crisp greens or steamed seasonal vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Lean Ground Beef Swap: Choose 90/10 or 93/7 ground beef to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor, ensuring a lighter yet still delicious meatloaf base.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Cheese Sauce Smoothness: Grate cheese directly from a block for a creamier, more even melting texture compared to pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- Flavor Boosting Trick: Add a splash of hot sauce or smoked paprika to the meat mixture for an extra depth of flavor that elevates the entire casserole.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg