Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef (or your choice of ground meat)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups cooked macaroni (elbow or shell pasta)
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)
– 1 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 cup marinara sauce (for topping)
– Fresh herbs (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Creating Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a breeze when you follow these easy steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Mix the Pasta and Cheese: In another bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and 1½ cups of shredded cheese. Stir to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated in cheese.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the pasta and cheese mixture into the meat mixture until evenly distributed.
5. Add Milk and Worcestershire Sauce: Pour in the milk and Worcestershire sauce, mixing until everything is combined. The mixture should be moist but hold its shape.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a casserole dish. Spoon the combined mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
7. Top with Marinara Sauce: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the mixture, ensuring all parts are covered.
8. Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the marinara sauce for a delicious topping.
9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the meat is cooked through.
10. Cool: Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers set a bit.
These simple steps make cooking this amazing casserole an enjoyable experience. The cozy scents filling your kitchen will whet your appetite, making the wait worthwhile!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 servings
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 35g