Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish
Are you tired of the same old mac and cheese? Looking for a way to elevate this beloved comfort food? Look no further than our Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. This mouthwatering dish combines the cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the savory flavors of meatloaf, creating a meal that is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients List
For the meatloaf:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup diced onion
- ¼ cup diced bell pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked macaroni
- Additional ketchup for topping
- Chopped parsley for garnish
For the mac and cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Timing
Preparation: 20 minutes
Cooking: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 20 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, diced bell pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, beaten egg, and milk. Mix until well combined.
3. Transfer the meatloaf mixture to a greased baking dish and shape it into a loaf shape.
4. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
5. While the meatloaf is baking, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
7. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
9. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce. Stir until the macaroni is evenly coated.
10. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread a layer of ketchup over the top.
11. Spoon the mac and cheese mixture over the meatloaf, spreading it evenly.
12. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mac and cheese layer.
13. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
15. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 30g
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
If you're looking to make this dish a bit healthier, you can make a few substitutions:
- Use lean ground turkey instead of ground beef.
- Opt for whole wheat macaroni instead of regular macaroni.
- Use reduced-fat cheese in the mac and cheese sauce.
- Add extra veggies to the meatloaf mixture, such as grated zucchini or chopped spinach.
Serving Suggestions
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but you can add some side dishes to complete the meal. Serve it with a fresh green salad and some garlic bread for a satisfying dinner. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes for a balanced plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making this casserole, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overmixing the meatloaf mixture can result in a dense and tough texture. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
- Don't overcook the macaroni. Cook it until it is al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Make sure to let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to slice.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
If you have leftovers or want to make this dish ahead of time, here are some storing tips:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat the casserole, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through.
- You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a delicious and satisfying twist on a classic dish. The combination of cheesy macaroni and flavorful meatloaf creates a meal that is sure to please. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or making it ahead of time for meal prep, this casserole is a winner. Try it out and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Don't forget to leave a comment and let us know how you liked this recipe. We'd love to hear your feedback!
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese in the mac and cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese can add a unique twist to the dish.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, as the casserole will be cold from the refrigerator.
Q: Can I substitute the ground beef with ground chicken?
A: Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
A delicious twist on a classic dish combining the cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the savory flavors of meatloaf. This mouthwatering Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup diced onion
- ¼ cup diced bell pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup cooked macaroni
- Additional ketchup for topping
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, Parmesan cheese, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, beaten egg, milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
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Transfer the meatloaf mixture to a greased baking dish and shape it into a loaf.
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Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
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Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then set aside.
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Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour, then gradually whisk in milk until sauce thickens.
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Remove from heat, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
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Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl.
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Spread a layer of ketchup over the baked meatloaf.
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Spoon the mac and cheese mixture over the meatloaf, spreading it evenly.
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Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the mac and cheese layer.
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Bake in the oven for an additional 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.