Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon paprika or 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
- Press mixture evenly into prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk. Cook until slightly thickened.
- Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Stir cooked macaroni into the sauce until evenly coated.
- Remove meatloaf base from oven. Spread mac and cheese evenly over top.
- Sprinkle with extra cheese, paprika, or breadcrumbs if desired.
- Return casserole to oven and bake another 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Add cooked bacon bits to the mac and cheese for extra flavor.
- Use pepper jack or jalapeños for a spicier version.
- Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meatloaf base.
- Mix in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added vegetables.
- Make mini versions in muffin tins for individual servings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 930mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 135mg