Description
Hearty mac and cheese meatloaf casserole brings comfort to dinner tables with nostalgic Southern charm. Home cooks will enjoy this classic fusion of creamy pasta and savory ground beef, creating a satisfying meal that warms hearts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350F (175C), preparing a baking dish for the layered casserole.
- Thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, and finely chopped onion, seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
- Compact the meat mixture into an even, dense layer covering the bottom of the baking dish.
- Mix cooked macaroni with shredded cheddar and milk until well combined and creamy.
- Carefully distribute the mac and cheese mixture over the meatloaf foundation, ensuring complete coverage.
- Artfully drizzle ketchup across the top surface, creating a tangy glaze.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until the meat is thoroughly cooked and cheese develops a golden, bubbling crust.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, helping the layers set and flavors meld before serving.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this comfort dish.
- Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar and monterey jack for a more complex flavor profile.
- Enhance the meatloaf’s moisture by adding grated zucchini or finely chopped bell peppers to the meat mixture.
- Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 630 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg