Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole – A Comfort Food Masterpiece!”
Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with our Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole recipe – the epitome of comfort food perfection. This hearty dish marries the timeless appeal of macaroni and cheese with the savory goodness of meatloaf, creating a casserole that’s as satisfying to make as it is to devour. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, this casserole promises a symphony of flavors that will warm your heart and leave your taste buds singing. Join us in crafting this comforting masterpiece that brings together the best of both worlds!
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatloaf:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, chopped onion, celery, carrot, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until well combined, being careful not to overmix. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased baking dish.
2. Bake the Meatloaf:
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
3. Cook the Macaroni:
- While the meatloaf is baking, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper if using.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
- Once the meatloaf is done, drain any excess grease.
- Spread the cooked macaroni evenly over the meatloaf.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni, ensuring it covers the entire casserole.
6. Bake to Perfection:
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and savor the comforting symphony of macaroni and cheese combined with savory meatloaf.
Cook Notes:
- Personalize the meatloaf by incorporating your favorite herbs or spices.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of cayenne pepper in the cheese sauce.
Variations:
- Bacon Bliss:
- Elevate the dish by adding crispy bacon bits to the mac and cheese layer for an extra smoky kick.
- Vegetarian Twist:
- Opt for a plant-based ground meat or your preferred meat substitute to create a vegetarian-friendly version.
Keto Version:
Ingredients:
- Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds in the meatloaf.
- Replace elbow macaroni with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
- Use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum in the cheese sauce.
Instructions:
- Follow the same steps for preparing the meatloaf and assembling the casserole, using keto-friendly substitutes.
Low-Carb Version:
Ingredients:
- Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds in the meatloaf.
- Substitute elbow macaroni with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
Instructions:
- Follow the same steps for preparing the meatloaf and assembling the casserole, using low-carb substitutes.
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a celebration of culinary creativity, uniting two beloved comfort foods into one delectable masterpiece. The marriage of hearty meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese results in a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore
