Description
Welcome to the ultimate guide on making the perfect Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole! This hearty and comforting dish is a favorite among many, and for good reason. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something warm and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will have you whipping up a delicious Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole in no time.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional toppings: chopped parsley, extra shredded cheese
Instructions
Making Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, browned beef, sautéed vegetables, shredded cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with extra shredded cheese if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Notes
Here are a few tips and tricks to make your Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole even better:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh vegetables and herbs for the best flavor.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the casserole before baking and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or other spices to suit your taste.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: For a little extra texture, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.
- Freeze Leftovers: This casserole freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Keywords: Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole