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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: Comfort Food Bliss

The BEST Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole blends savory meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese for a comforting dinner experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf Base
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Choose lean (85/15 or 80/20) to minimize grease.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Use store-bought or homemade; panko can lighten it.
  • 1 large Egg Acts as a binder.
  • 1/2 cup Milk Any fat percentage works.
  • 1 medium Onion Finely chopped.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Infuses savory flavor evenly.
  • 1/2 cup Barbecue Sauce Creates a tangy glaze.
For the Mac and Cheese Layer
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni Classic pasta choice for mac and cheese.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Essential for the roux.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Works with butter to form a roux.
  • 2 cups Milk Based on personal preference.
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese Sharp, mix with other cheeses if desired.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Optional.

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • large mixing bowl
  • Medium Saucepan
  • pot

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic powder, and barbecue sauce in a mixing bowl.
  3. Spread the meat mixture evenly into the baking dish.
  4. Cook elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente, then drain.
  5. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour to form a roux before gradually whisking in milk.
  6. Cook until thickened, then stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
  7. Fold the macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
  8. Spoon the mac and cheese mixture over the meatloaf layer and spread evenly.
  9. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  10. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days. Can be made and assembled up to 24 hours in advance.

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