Description
A comforting fusion of hearty meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese, this casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Add cheddar cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- Mix the sauce with the cooked pasta.
- Remove the baked meatloaf layer from the oven. Spread the mac and cheese evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle extra shredded cheese over the mac and cheese layer.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with a green salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Notes
- Don’t Overmix the Meatloaf: Overmixing the ground meat can make the meatloaf dense and tough. Mix gently until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Make the Cheese Sauce Smooth: When preparing the cheese sauce, add milk gradually and stir constantly to avoid lumps. Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt compared to pre-shredded options.
- Layer Evenly for Best Results: Spread both the meatloaf and mac and cheese layers evenly in the baking dish to ensure consistent cooking and a balanced bite in every serving.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 50 min