Easy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Bake
A family-friendly casserole featuring seasoned ground beef meatloaf topped with glossy cheddar macaroni and a crisp breadcrumb crust. Combines comfort and structure in every bite with a homemade cheese sauce and brioche-like texture.
Ingredients
- Ground beef - 1 lb
- Breadcrumbs - 1 cup
- Eggs - 2 large
- Onion - 1/2 cup chopped
- Garlic - 2 cloves minced
- Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian) - 1 tablespoon
- Salt - 1 teaspoon divided
- Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon divided
- Milk - 2 cups (whole or 2%)
- Cheddar cheese - 1 cup grated
- Macaroni (elbow pasta) - 1 lb
- Unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons
- Paprika - 1 teaspoon
- Ketchup (for meatloaf glaze) - 1/2 cup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, 2 eggs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in bowl
- Press meat mixture into greased loaf pan
- In second bowl, whisk melted butter with remaining 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and paprika
- Spread breadcrumb mixture evenly over meatloaf
- Sauté onion and garlic in butter until softened
- In separate pot, whisk 2 tablespoons flour into milk gradually
- Cook until thickened, then stir in cheddar cheese and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce until fully coated
- Spread macaroni mixture over meatloaf and top with 1/2 cup ketchup
- Bake 55 minutes or until meat reaches 160°F
Notes
Use 85/15 ground beef for ideal juiciness
Ground turkey is leaner alternative
Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce avoids anchovies
Gluten-free breadcrumbs available as option
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days
Ground turkey is leaner alternative
Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce avoids anchovies
Gluten-free breadcrumbs available as option
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g
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