A hearty and comforting casserole that combines the rich, cheesy goodness of mac & cheese with the savory flavors of meatloaf. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 box (14 oz) elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk (for cheese sauce)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the meatloaf base: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, 1/2 cup milk, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add paprika, if desired.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the cooked macaroni evenly over the meatloaf base. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!