Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole (Print-Friendly Version)
Layers of savory meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese baked together for a hearty family dinner.
# Ingredients List:
→ Meatloaf Base
01 -
450 g ground beef
02 -
80 g diced onion
03 -
60 g breadcrumbs
04 -
1 large egg
05 -
60 ml whole milk
06 -
1 tsp salt
07 -
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
→ Macaroni and Cheese Layer
08 -
200 g uncooked macaroni
09 -
200 g shredded cheddar cheese
10 -
30 g butter
11 -
30 g plain flour
12 -
480 ml whole milk
13 -
0.5 tsp paprika
14 -
0.5 tsp dry mustard powder
# How to Make It:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 175°C.
02 -
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, 60 ml milk, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated. Press the mixture into a greased baking dish to form a flat, even layer.
03 -
Bake the meatloaf base for 20 minutes.
04 -
While the base bakes, cook macaroni in a pot of boiling, salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
05 -
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in 480 ml milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens. Season with additional salt, pepper, paprika, and dry mustard powder. Add 150 g cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted.
06 -
Combine the cooked macaroni with the prepared cheese sauce. Spread the macaroni mixture over the partially baked meatloaf base in the baking dish. Top with the remaining 50 g cheddar cheese.
07 -
Bake the assembled casserole for 25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and golden.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Allow the casserole to rest for several minutes before slicing to help it set.