Description
Savory mac and cheese meatloaf combines classic comfort foods in one hearty dish. Home cooks can elevate weeknight dinners with this creamy, cheesy, meaty masterpiece that brings families together around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a welcoming environment for the culinary masterpiece.
- Meatloaf Foundation: Blend meatloaf ingredients thoroughly in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution, then gently press into the prepared dish, crafting a uniform base layer.
- Pasta Transformation: Cook elbow macaroni in salted water until perfectly tender, drain completely, and set aside for the upcoming creamy fusion.
- Sauce Alchemy: Craft a velvety cheese sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour to create a smooth roux, then gradually introducing milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir consistently until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, thickened sauce.
- Cheese Infusion: Remove sauce from heat and incorporate shredded cheddar, stirring until the mixture achieves a glossy, uniform consistency.
- Layering Technique: Fold macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated, then spread the mixture evenly over the meatloaf base.
- Crispy Finale: Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs across the top, creating a golden, crunchy crown.
- Baking Perfection: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bronzed, bubbling surface that signals culinary completion.
Notes
- Meat Mixing Mastery: Ensure thorough blending of meatloaf ingredients to prevent dry spots and create a uniform texture that holds together perfectly.
- Roux Perfection: Whisk flour and butter carefully for 1-2 minutes to develop a smooth base that prevents lumpy cheese sauce and ensures silky consistency.
- Cheese Coating Technique: Gently fold macaroni into cheese sauce, making sure every pasta piece gets completely and evenly covered for maximum flavor impact.
- Baking Brilliance: Watch the dish closely during the final 25-30 minutes, looking for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges that indicate complete cooking and optimal texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg