I still remember the first time I tried a mac and cheese meatloaf casserole. It was love at first bite. The mix of savory meatloaf and creamy macaroni and cheese is perfect together. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
Macaroni and cheese has a rich history, dating back to the 13th century in Italy. When you add the hearty flavors of a meatloaf casserole, it becomes a satisfying meal. This dish is great for family dinners, pleasing everyone with its hearty taste.
Key Takeaways
- The mac and cheese meatloaf casserole is a fusion of two comfort foods, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
- This dish is perfect for family dinners, offering a hearty and satisfying experience.
- The combination of savory meatloaf and creamy macaroni and cheese creates a truly unique flavor profile.
- The casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 to 4 months.
- The recipe utilizes 1 pound of lean ground beef and 1 1/2 cups of dry macaroni noodles, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
- The dish requires a cooking temperature of 350°F and a total cooking time of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Why This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Will Become Your New Favorite
This mac and cheese meatloaf casserole is a perfect mix of comfort and convenience. It’s great for busy weeknights. The ground beef, macaroni, and cheese make a hearty meal that everyone will love.
It’s like a loaded meatball casserole but with mac and cheese. The comfort ground beef recipes in it make it perfect for families. It’s easy to make with affordable ingredients.
The Perfect Marriage of Two Comfort Foods
The mac and cheese meatloaf casserole combines two comfort foods. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal for anyone.
Budget-Friendly Family Meal
This casserole is easy on the wallet for families. It uses affordable ingredients and makes a lot of food.
Make-Ahead Convenience
You can make this casserole ahead of time. It’s perfect for busy nights. Store it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.
Essential Ingredients for Success
To make a tasty Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, you need the right ingredients. Ground beef adds a rich flavor to the dish. It’s important to balance the flavors and textures when using ground beef.
The cheese you choose greatly affects the casserole’s taste and texture. I suggest using cheddar and parmesan cheese for a classic flavor. The recipe calls for about 12 ounces of shredded medium cheddar cheese, which is roughly 3 cups. This shows the dish will have a cheesy taste.
Other key ingredients include:
- 8 ounces of pasta, which is around 1/2 pound or about 1 and 3/4 cups
- 2 ½ cups of 2% dairy milk
- Panko breadcrumbs for a light and airy texture
- Mustard powder to enhance the flavor of cheddar
With these ingredients and the right cooking methods, you can make a delicious Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. It’s great for a weeknight dinner or a special event. This dish is sure to become a favorite, whether you’re trying new beef recipes or looking for easy supper ideas with ground beef.
Crafting the Perfect Mac and Cheese Base
To make a tasty mac and cheese base, picking the right pasta and cheese sauce is key. Most people prefer pasta with more surface area, like cavatappi, over traditional elbow macaroni. This choice can greatly affect the dish’s taste.
Using at least three different cheeses is a favorite among mac and cheese lovers. A mix of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and pecorino cheese adds depth and richness. More than 90% of chefs recommend using freshly grated cheese for the best melt.
Choosing the Right Pasta
Some top pasta picks for mac and cheese are:
- Cavatappi: a corkscrew-shaped pasta with a large surface area
- Elbow macaroni: a classic choice for mac and cheese
- Shells: a conch-shaped pasta that holds onto the cheese sauce well
Creating the Cheese Sauce
Making a creamy cheese sauce involves mixing cheese, milk, and flour. Dry mustard is used by about 70% of home cooks to boost the cheese flavor. A roux of butter and flour thickens the sauce, and then milk is added for creaminess.
Building Your Meatloaf Layer
To make a tasty meatloaf layer, mix 2 pounds of Certified Angus Beef® ground beef with key ingredients. This is the base of your easy ground meat dinner. High-quality ground beef adds a rich flavor, making it perfect for this dish.
When making the meatloaf mix, add eggs and breadcrumbs for moisture and texture. Seasoned Italian breadcrumbs help the mix stick together, making a flavorful meatloaf. Here are the main ingredients for your meatloaf layer:
- 2 pounds of Certified Angus Beef® brand ground beef
- ¾ cups of seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Herbs and spices for added flavor
Shape the mix into a ½-inch thick sheet for even cooking. This ensures a perfectly cooked meatloaf with balanced flavors. By following these steps and using the right ingredients, you’ll make a delicious meatloaf layer. It will pair well with your mac and cheese, making a satisfying meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Certified Angus Beef® brand ground beef | 2 pounds |
| Seasoned Italian breadcrumbs | ¾ cups |
| Eggs | as needed |
FAQ
What is the Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole?
This dish combines meatloaf and macaroni and cheese. It’s a mix of two comfort foods, making it both nostalgic and new.
Why will this dish become a new favorite?
It’s a perfect blend of two comfort foods. also easy on the wallet and can be made ahead of time. It’s great for busy families.
What are the essential ingredients for the Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole?
You’ll need ground beef, macaroni, and cheese. The type of cheese is key to the flavor and texture.
How do I craft the perfect mac and cheese base?
Pick the right pasta and make a creamy cheese sauce. Add a secret ingredient mix for extra flavor.
How do I build the meatloaf layer?
Use ground beef, eggs, and breadcrumbs. They add richness, moisture, and texture to the dish.
How can I serve and store the Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole?
You can refrigerate or freeze it for later. Serve it with sides and get creative with leftovers, like in sandwiches.
Conclusion: Serving and Storing Your Casserole Creation
Now that you’ve made this tasty mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, it’s time to learn how to serve and store it. This dish is great for any meal because it can be served in many ways.
When you serve it, pair the loaded meatball casserole with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. This makes for a complete and satisfying meal. Leftovers can be used in sandwiches or as a side dish of macaroni and cheese.
To keep your casserole fresh, the USDA says to refrigerate or freeze leftovers within 2 hours. Leftovers in the fridge should be eaten in 3-4 days. Frozen leftovers can last up to 3 months. Dividing leftovers into individual servings helps them last longer and prevents spoilage.