Description
A comforting casserole combining a juicy meatloaf base with creamy macaroni and cheddar, topped with a smoky barbecue glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (dry)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk (for the meatloaf mixture)
- ½ cup milk (for the cheese sauce)
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (divide between meatloaf and sauce)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt (for sauce)
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, 2 cups milk, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread barbecue sauce evenly over the meatloaf layer.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the remaining milk until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and optional paprika.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and melted.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Spread the mac and cheese mixture over the meatloaf layer in the dish.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 8–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ground beef reaches 160°F (71°C). For creamier mac and cheese, reserve a splash of pasta cooking water and add to the sauce if it tightens.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 595
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg