Description
A comforting blend of meatloaf and mac and cheese layered into a delicious casserole that’s perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (for topping)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- Press the meat mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish to form an even meatloaf base.
- Spread barbecue sauce evenly over the top of the meat mixture.
- Bake for 25 minutes, allowing the meatloaf to begin setting.
- Meanwhile, cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add in the milk while whisking, cooking until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, salt, and paprika if using. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Spoon the mac and cheese over the partially baked meatloaf layer, smoothing it into an even layer.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon or jalapeños to the meatloaf layer. Letting the casserole rest aids in easier slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: casserole, comfort food, meatloaf, mac and cheese, family dinner
