Magical Mac & Cheese Lasagna Recipe: Layers of Cheesy Joy

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mac & cheese lasagna that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Layers of creamy pasta and rich cheese create a mouthwatering fusion that breaks all the traditional recipe rules.

Every bite delivers a decadent combination of two classic favorites melded into one incredible dish.

Gooey cheese, tender pasta, and a golden crispy top make this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The secret lies in balancing the right cheese blend and creating perfectly cooked layers.

Pasta lovers and comfort food enthusiasts will fall head over heels for this innovative twist on two beloved classics.

Get ready to become the culinary hero at your next gathering with this irresistible mac & cheese lasagna.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients That Make Mac & Cheese Lasagna Stand Out

• Macaroni: Provides the hearty foundation with its classic comfort texture, choose a high-quality brand for best results and opt for whole wheat for added nutrition.
• Spaghetti Sauce: Delivers rich, tangy flavor and moisture, select a robust marinara or meat sauce that complements the cheesy layers.

• Ground Beef: Adds savory depth and protein punch, look for lean cuts to minimize excess grease and enhance overall dish quality.
• Onions: Brings sweet, caramelized undertones and aromatic complexity, fresh yellow onions work best for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Contributes bold, pungent notes that elevate the entire dish, choose fresh cloves over pre-minced for more intense taste.

• Cheeses: Creates creamy, melty layers that bind the dish together, mix varieties like mozzarella for stretch and cheddar for sharp flavor.

Tools to Help Bake Mac & Cheese Lasagna Flawlessly

• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for layering and baking the mac & cheese lasagna.
• Colander: Needed to drain the ground beef after cooking.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient portioning.
• Oven: Used for baking the dish at 350°F.

How to Layer and Bake Mac & Cheese Lasagna

• Pasta Foundation

Whip up a creamy mac and cheese base using your favorite boxed mix, ensuring a rich and smooth texture that will serve as the delectable bottom layer of this mouthwatering dish.

• Savory Meat Preparation

In a sizzling skillet, transform ground beef into a perfectly browned mixture, infusing it with aromatic onions and garlic for an extra flavor punch that will elevate the entire casserole.

• Layering Magic

Create a delightful landscape in your baking dish, starting with a generous spread of the mac and cheese, followed by a hearty blanket of seasoned meat and a vibrant splash of tangy spaghetti sauce.

• Cheese Cascade

Sprinkle a luxurious blend of melty cheeses between each layer, ensuring every bite is a gooey, irresistible experience that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds.

• Oven Transformation

Slide the assembled masterpiece into a preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld together and transform into a golden, bubbling sensation that promises comfort and satisfaction.

• Serving Perfection

After a brief resting period, slice into this incredible fusion of mac and cheese lasagna, revealing layers of flavor that blend classic comfort foods into one extraordinary dish.

Tweaks and Variations for Mac & Cheese Lasagna

• Mix in diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra color and kick to the meat layer.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to reduce calories and fat content.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a more complex flavor profile.
• Assemble the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for deeper melded flavors and easier meal prep.

Serving Suggestions for Mac & Cheese Lasagna

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Complement the rich, cheesy lasagna with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the heavy flavors.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread makes the perfect side to soak up extra sauce and add a delightful crunch to the meal.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top to add a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
• Offer Cool Beverage Pairing: Serve with a cold iced tea or light beer to help cut through the richness of the mac and cheese lasagna.

Smart Storage Tips for Mac & Cheese Lasagna

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover mac & cheese lasagna in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish's delicious layers intact and flavors fresh.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or container, storing for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake entire dish at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add splash of milk to maintain creamy texture.
• Portion and Pack: Divide into single-serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or easy weeknight dinners, ensuring convenient meal prep and minimal waste.

Cheesy Mac & Cheese Lasagna Extravaganza Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty mac & cheese lasagna delivers comfort on a plate with layers of creamy pasta and cheesy goodness. Cheese lovers will savor this indulgent crossover dish that promises satisfaction in each rich, melted bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 box (24 ounces / 680 grams) macaroni shells & cheese with prepared cheese sauce
• 1 ½–2 cups spaghetti sauce
• 1 packed cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ white onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook macaroni until al dente, ensuring a tender yet firm texture that will hold up during baking.
2. Meat Sautéing: Brown ground beef in a skillet with onions and garlic, carefully breaking down meat into fine, even crumbles and draining excess fat to maintain a rich, concentrated flavor.
3. Layering Foundation: Spread half the cooked macaroni across the bottom of a buttered 9 x 13 inch baking dish, creating a sturdy base for the lasagna.
4. Protein and Sauce Distribution: Evenly layer seasoned beef over the pasta, then generously cover with spaghetti sauce, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
5. Cheese Cascade: Generously sprinkle shredded cheese blend across the sauce, creating a melty, golden blanket that will develop a tantalizing crust during baking.
6. Repeat Stratification: Replicate the previous layering process with remaining macaroni, beef, sauce, and cheese, building depth and complexity of flavors.
7. Oven Transformation: Bake uncovered at 350°F for 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, slightly crisp top.
8. Resting Period: Let the lasagna rest for 2-3 minutes after removing from the oven, allowing layers to set and making serving more manageable.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook macaroni just until al dente to prevent mushy texture and maintain a pleasant bite in the final dish.
• Beef Browning Technique: Thoroughly break down ground beef into small, uniform pieces while sautéing to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor distribution.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Use a blend of cheeses and sprinkle evenly to create a golden, bubbly top that adds rich, creamy texture to the lasagna.
• Resting is Critical: Allow the lasagna to rest for 2-3 minutes after baking, which helps stabilize layers and makes cutting and serving much cleaner and more appealing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg