Cheesy Mac and Meatloaf Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines macaroni, ground beef, and a blend of cheeses for a comforting meal.
Author:Lorenzo Bonucci
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain excess fat.
Stir in salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and marinara sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, beef mixture, milk, egg, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix well.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.