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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: Comfort Food Bliss

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines savory meatloaf with creamy mac and cheese for a delicious, comforting meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 560
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf Base
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
  • 1/2 cup Milk or non-dairy milk for lactose-free
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup or barbecue sauce for a smoky twist
  • 1 large Beaten Egg can substitute with a flax egg for vegan
  • 1 small Onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce or soy sauce for a different flavor
  • 1 tsp Thyme optional; use dried oregano as an alternative
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper
For the Mac and Cheese Layer
  • 2 cups Macaroni or gluten-free pasta
  • 2 tbsp Butter or margarine for dairy-free substitute
  • 2 tbsp Flour
  • 2 cups Milk or cream for extra richness
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese or a blend like Monterey Jack and Colby
  • 1 tsp Mustard Powder or dijon mustard
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese or nutritional yeast for vegan

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, beaten egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, then press into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Place the meatloaf mixture in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until partially cooked.
  3. While the meatloaf is baking, bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and gradually whisk in milk until thick. Stir in cheddar, mustard powder, salt, and pepper, then fold in macaroni.
  4. Spread the mac and cheese evenly over the meatloaf in the baking dish. Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
  5. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes post-baking for perfect slices.

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