Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole (Print-Friendly Version)

Creamy macaroni atop savory meatloaf, baked together for a comforting, crowd-pleasing family meal.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ For the Meatloaf Base

01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
03 - 1/4 cup whole milk
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ For the Mac and Cheese Topping

09 - 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
12 - 2 cups whole milk
13 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
14 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika, optional for topping

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup milk, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just incorporated.
03 - Spread the meat mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing to form an even layer.
04 - Place the dish in the oven and bake the meat layer for 25 minutes.
05 - While the meatloaf layer is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
06 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually pour in 2 cups milk, whisking to prevent lumps, and cook until thickened, about 4 to 5 minutes.
07 - Remove saucepan from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and fully melted.
08 - Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing until pasta is well coated.
09 - Remove the partially baked meatloaf from the oven. Spread the macaroni and cheese evenly over the meat layer. Sprinkle paprika over the top if desired.
10 - Return the dish to the oven and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden and bubbling.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Avoid overmixing the ground beef mixture to maintain a tender meatloaf texture.

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