Easy Mac & Cheese Lasagna Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

Mac & cheese lasagna blends two comfort food classics into one irresistible dish that promises pure culinary delight.

Creamy pasta layers combine with rich cheese sauce, creating a mouthwatering fusion of textures and flavors.

Hearty ingredients craft this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger and comfort cravings.

Sophisticated yet simple, this innovative combination elevates traditional pasta preparations with unexpected deliciousness.

cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will appreciate the decadent approach to merging beloved recipes into a single, crave-worthy creation.

Familiar ingredients take on new life when reimagined through this creative cooking technique.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of melted cheese, tender pasta, and comforting warmth.

Mac & Cheese Lasagna You’ll Crave

• Mash-Up Comfort Classics: Combines the beloved mac and cheese with traditional lasagna, creating a mouthwatering fusion that satisfies multiple comfort food cravings in one dish.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal prep time, uses simple ingredients, and comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy families looking for a hearty meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Cheesy Delight: Loaded with multiple layers of cheese, meat, and creamy pasta, this recipe guarantees a rich, indulgent experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• One-Pan Convenience Magic: Eliminates multiple cooking steps by using packaged mac and cheese and simple layering technique, reducing kitchen cleanup and making dinner preparation a breeze.

Smart Tips for Mac & Cheese Lasagna Success

• Prevent Clumping: Stir mac and cheese constantly while cooking to ensure smooth, creamy texture without sticky pasta.
• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Use a colander to remove excess fat from ground beef, preventing greasy lasagna layers.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Grate cheeses fresh for optimal melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Layer Evenly: Use a spatula to spread each ingredient uniformly, guaranteeing balanced taste in every bite.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow lasagna to sit for precisely 2-3 minutes after baking, helping layers set and making cutting easier.

How to Store and Warm Up Mac & Cheese Lasagna

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the layers intact to maintain texture and flavor.
• Freeze: Wrap the lasagna tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in a preheated 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese top. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Tasty Sides to Go with Mac & Cheese Lasagna

• Unleash Robust Red Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that cuts through the richness of the cheesy lasagna, complementing the savory ground beef with its bold fruit notes.
• Crisp Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a tangy, fresh contrast against the heavy, creamy mac and cheese lasagna, balancing the dish's decadence.
• Zesty Vegetable Side: Roast garlic-seasoned green beans or broccoli with a sprinkle of parmesan to add a nutritious, slightly crunchy element that enhances the overall meal's texture and provides a green counterpoint.
• Classic Beer Match: Grab an amber ale or hoppy IPA that stands up to the hearty layers, its carbonation cutting through the cheese and meat, creating a satisfying flavor interaction that elevates the comfort food experience.

Mac & Cheese Lasagna Flavor Swaps

• Veggie Fusion: Replace ground beef with sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version packed with colorful nutrients.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired mac and cheese lasagna.
• Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate crumbled feta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-style layered casserole with tangy Mediterranean flavors.
• Bacon Lover's Dream: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits between layers and on top for an indulgent, smoky twist that adds extra crunch and rich flavor.

Must-Have Ingredients for Mac & Cheese Lasagna

• Macaroni: Classic elbow pasta that forms the hearty foundation of the dish, cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
• Spaghetti Sauce: Rich tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and depth to the layered casserole.

• Ground Beef: Lean ground meat that provides substantial protein and robust flavor, choose 80/20 or 85/15 fat ratio for best texture.
• Onions: Sweet aromatic vegetable that adds depth and complexity to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Pungent flavor enhancer that complements beef and adds savory undertones.

• Cheese (Mixed): Melty combination of cheeses that creates creamy and stretchy layers, select a mix of sharp and mild varieties for balanced flavor.

Directions for Making Mac & Cheese Lasagna

Step 1: Cook Mac And Cheese

Prepare mac and cheese following package instructions carefully.

Step 2: Brown Meat Mixture

• Onions
• Garlic

Cook until meat is fully browned, then drain excess fat completely.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 4: Create First Layer

Spread half of the prepared mac and cheese across bottom of baking dish.

Add half of the browned meat mixture on top.

Pour half of the spaghetti sauce evenly.

Sprinkle half of the cheese blend.

Step 5: Build Second Layer

Repeat layering process with remaining ingredients.

Top with additional cheese for extra richness.

Step 6: Bake Lasagna

Place dish in preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes until cheese melts and edges turn golden brown.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Remove from oven.

Allow lasagna to rest 2-3 minutes.

Cut into squares and serve hot.

Mac & Cheese Lasagna Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy mac & cheese meets classic lasagna in this comfort-classic crossover dish. Layers of cheesy pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Pasta:

• 1 box (24 ounces / 680 grams) macaroni shells & cheese with prepared cheese sauce
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• ½ white onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese and Sauce:

• 1 ½–2 cups spaghetti sauce
• 1 packed cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Boil the macaroni according to the package instructions, ensuring it reaches an al dente consistency with a slight bite.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and crumble the ground beef into the pan.
3. Sauté the beef with finely chopped onions and minced garlic, breaking up the meat into small, uniform pieces as it browns.
4. Drain the excess fat from the meat mixture using a colander, allowing the beef to remain moist but not greasy.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 centimeters) baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
6. Create the first layer by spreading half of the prepared macaroni across the bottom of the baking dish.
7. Distribute half of the seasoned ground beef evenly over the macaroni layer.
8. Pour half of the spaghetti sauce across the beef, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese blend over the sauce, creating a melty barrier.
10. Repeat the layering process with the remaining macaroni, beef, sauce, and cheese.
11. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden.
12. Remove from the oven and allow the lasagna to rest for 2-3 minutes, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Streamline your cooking by preparing mac and cheese and browning meat simultaneously to save time.
• Drain excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, healthier meal.
• Let the lasagna rest briefly after baking to help layers set and make cutting and serving easier.
• Use a 9×13″ baking dish for perfect layering and even heat distribution during baking.
• This recipe works great for meal prep, as leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for quick lunches or dinners.
• Customize the dish by adding extra seasonings like Italian herbs or red pepper flakes for a personalized flavor boost.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg