Description
Comfort meets innovation in this mac and cheese meatloaf, blending classic American dinner traditions into one hearty dish. Creamy pasta nestled within savory ground beef creates a rich, satisfying meal guaranteed to comfort hungry diners at your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Liquid and Cheese Ingredients:
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and applying a light coating of grease to a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend all meatloaf ingredients until uniformly combined, ensuring no dry pockets remain. Gently press the meat mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish, creating an even foundational layer.
- Fill a large pot with salted water and cook the elbow macaroni according to package guidance, aiming for a perfectly tender texture. Once cooked, drain completely and set aside.
- Initiate the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Introduce flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to develop a smooth roux. Gradually incorporate milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper, stirring consistently until the mixture thickens and reaches a velvety consistency (approximately 5-7 minutes).
- Remove the sauce from heat and fold in of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the mixture becomes glossy and uniform.
- Carefully fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is lavishly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly over the meatloaf layer, creating a harmonious two-layer casserole.
- Distribute the remaining half-cup of cheddar cheese and quarter-cup of breadcrumbs across the top, providing a golden, crispy finish.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a beautifully bronzed and bubbling surface that signals complete cooking.
Notes
- Simplify your cooking by preparing all ingredients before starting, ensuring a smooth and stress-free preparation process.
- Layer flavors strategically: the meatloaf base provides a hearty foundation, while the creamy mac and cheese topping adds luxurious comfort.
- Achieve the perfect roux by stirring butter and flour continuously, which prevents burning and creates a smooth sauce base.
- Choose sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor punch and a rich, tangy taste that elevates the entire dish.
- Breadcrumb topping creates a delightful crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mac and cheese layer.
- Rest the casserole for 10 minutes after baking to allow layers to set and make serving easier without falling apart.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 542 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg