Speedy One-Dish Macaroni Cheese and Meatloaf Casserole in 45 Minutes | Indescribably Comforting Dish
Mac Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: A Weeknight Lifesaver
The Mac Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. This versatile recipe can be customised to suit various tastes and dietary requirements.
The casserole is composed of two layers: a meatloaf base and a mac and cheese layer. The meatloaf base includes ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, kosher salt, black pepper, and can be enhanced with sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra flavour. For beef lovers, a 50/50 mix of ground beef and spicy sausage can be used as a substitute. Alternatively, ground turkey can work as a healthier alternative.
Any small pasta works for the mac and cheese layer, such as shells, rotini, or cavatappi. The mac and cheese includes elbow macaroni, shredded sharp cheddar (or Gruyère for sophistication, or pepper jack for heat), milk, butter, flour, and garlic powder. If you don't have cheddar cheese, Gruyère adds sophistication, while pepper jack brings heat as a substitute. For a gluten-free version, use GF pasta and breadcrumbs. For the roux, cornstarch can be used instead of flour.
Frozen peas can be stirred into the mac and cheese layer and is kid-approved. This recipe can be stretched to 8 servings for smaller appetites or if more sides are added.
Storing the casserole: Let it cool completely before covering tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. For freezing, wrap cooled portions tightly in plastic wrap then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as usual.
Reheating the casserole: Don't microwave it! Instead, pop individual portions in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. If the top isn't crispy enough, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end. Sprinkling a little extra cheese on top before reheating can revive that fresh-baked look and taste.
Perfect pairings for the casserole include garlic bread, simple green salad, and roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or broccoli florets. If you don't have breadcrumbs, rolled oats can be used as a substitute. For extra crispiness, the casserole can be broiled for 1-2 minutes at the end (watch closely). A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika can add grown-up flair to the meatloaf base.
The nutritional information per serving (about 1/6th of the casserole) varies based on ingredients used. Using reduced-fat cheese or leaner ground beef can lower the nutritional numbers. The casserole might taste better the next day as leftovers.
This dish is a favourite weeknight lifesaver for many, but there is no available information about who first invented the Mac Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. Regardless of its origin, this comforting casserole is sure to become a staple in your household.
