Description
This Meatloaf Casserole combines the hearty flavors of classic meatloaf with creamy macaroni and cheese for the ultimate comfort food dish. Ground beef is seasoned and baked as a base layer, topped with cheesy macaroni and finished with a bubbly cheddar crust, making it a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Macaroni and Cheese Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt (divided)
- 1/2 tsp pepper (divided)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Prepare the meatloaf mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined, then press this mixture evenly into a greased baking dish to form the meatloaf base.
- Bake the meatloaf layer: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the meatloaf for 20 minutes to partially cook it before adding the topping.
- Cook the macaroni: While the meatloaf bakes, cook the uncooked macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about one minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the 2 cups of milk and cook until the sauce thickens. Season the sauce with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, paprika, and dry mustard, stirring well. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce thoroughly, then pour this cheesy macaroni mixture evenly over the partially baked meatloaf layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top to finish.
- Bake the completed casserole: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden, the casserole is heated through, and the cheese has melted to perfection.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic or herbs like thyme to the meatloaf mixture.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a richer cheese sauce taste.
- Make sure to grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: meatloaf casserole, comfort food, macaroni and cheese, baked casserole, ground beef casserole
