Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of diced onion
- 1/4 cup of diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- **Salt and pepper to taste
For the Macaroni and Cheese:
- 2 cups of elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- **Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 1 cup of crushed butter crackers
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, diced bell pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until cooked through.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
While the meatloaf is baking, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and creamy. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and spread the cooked macaroni evenly over the top. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni, ensuring that it’s evenly coated.
Step 5: Add the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice the meatloaf casserole into squares and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Conclusion
With its irresistible combination of tender meatloaf, creamy macaroni and cheese, and buttery cracker topping, our Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a comfort food masterpiece. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try tonight and indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience!