Description
Classic comfort mac and cheese meatloaf casserole blends hearty American dinner favorites into one satisfying dish. Cheese-lovers will savor this creamy, meaty creation that brings family meals to delightful new heights.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 box macaroni and cheese (prepared)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Binding and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, blending thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing firmly to create an even, compact layer across the bottom.
- Place the meatloaf in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the meat develops a rich, golden-brown exterior and reaches proper internal temperature.
- Simultaneously, prepare macaroni and cheese according to package instructions, ensuring a creamy and smooth consistency.
- Once meatloaf is cooked, remove from oven and carefully spread the prepared mac and cheese uniformly across the meat layer.
- Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese over the mac and cheese surface, creating a complete cheese coverage.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C), allowing the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, bubbling top.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and facilitate easier portioning.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of this comfort dish.
- Consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs.
- Experiment with adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the meatloaf mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Replace regular macaroni with cauliflower mac and cheese for a lower-carb option that still delivers incredible taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg