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- 1 lb (450g) ground beef - 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs - 1 large egg - 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese (divided) - 1 cup (240ml) milk - 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Gathering the right ingredients is key. Start with ground beef, which gives the casserole its hearty base. Breadcrumbs help bind the meat, making it hold together. The egg adds moisture and richness. Next, we have cheese and dairy. Cheddar cheese brings that classic flavor to the dish. Sour cream adds creaminess, while milk makes everything smooth. For flavor, we use garlic powder and onion powder. These give a savory kick. Smoked paprika adds depth and a slight warmth. With these ingredients, you're set to create a delicious Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the casserole cook evenly. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to mix everything until well blended. 1. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with non-stick spray. Spread the meat mixture evenly on the bottom. This forms a strong base for your casserole. 2. In another bowl, mix the cooked macaroni with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and sour cream. Stir well until the macaroni is coated. 1. Layer the macaroni mixture over the meat layer in the dish. Make sure it covers the meat fully. 2. Pour marinara sauce over the macaroni. Spread it out to keep the dish moist and tasty. 3. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top. 4. Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes. It should be bubbly and golden. 5. Once done, let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier. You can find the Full Recipe to guide you through this process. To ensure even cooking, spread the meat mixture flat in the dish. This helps it cook uniformly. Use a spatula to level it out. Layer the macaroni carefully on top. This keeps the flavors balanced and each bite delicious. For presentation, slice the casserole into squares. Place each square on a plate. Add a sprinkle of parsley on top for color. Serve it with a simple green salad. The salad adds freshness and balances the rich flavors. Avoid overmixing the meat mixture. This can make the meatloaf tough. Mix just until combined. Also, let the casserole rest after baking. This helps it set up, making it easier to slice. Enjoy the full recipe for more details on the steps! {{image_4}} You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. This change makes the dish leaner. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs. This option suits those with gluten sensitivities. Both swaps keep the dish tasty while fitting different diets. Adding vegetables boosts the nutrition and flavor. You can mix in sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations too. Try pepper jack for a kick or mozzarella for a milder taste. Each choice gives the casserole a unique twist. For vegetarian options, replace the meat with lentils or black beans. This keeps the protein while making it meat-free. You can also make low-carb substitutions. Use cauliflower rice instead of macaroni. This change lowers the carbs and adds veggies to the meal. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas on making this dish your own! To keep your Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This prevents drying out and keeps it tasty. The best spot is the fridge. You can keep it there for up to three days. After that, the quality can drop, so enjoy it soon! When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, I recommend reheating in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps keep the cheese melty and the meat moist. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, about 1-2 minutes, stirring in between. This ensures even warming and keeps it from drying out. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This protects it from freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes. Ensure it’s heated through before serving. For best results, check that the cheese is bubbly and the center is hot. Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. To do this, follow these steps: - Prep the meat mixture: Mix all the meat ingredients as you normally would. - Layer the casserole: Spread the meat mixture in the dish, add the macaroni, and pour on the sauce. Do not bake it yet. - Cover and chill: Wrap the dish in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - Baking: When ready to bake, just remove the wrap. Preheat the oven and bake as directed. This makes it easy to serve a tasty meal on busy days. If you love heat, try these ideas: - Hot sauce: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture. - Spices: Mix in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. - Spicy cheese: Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy twist. These options can help you create a casserole that packs a flavorful punch. Pair this casserole with simple sides for a great meal: - Green salad: A fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds crunch. - Steamed veggies: Broccoli or green beans balance the rich flavors. - Garlic bread: Serve warm garlic bread to soak up the sauce. These sides make your meal even more enjoyable. For the full recipe, visit the link provided. This blog post showed you how to create a tasty mac and cheese meatloaf casserole. We covered the needed ingredients, from ground beef to cheddar cheese, and how to layer it all perfectly. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and ideas for tasty variations. Lastly, we discussed how to store and reheat your leftovers. Now you can impress friends and family with this fun dish. Enjoy your cooking!

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole! This delicious dish combines juicy ground beef with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with melted cheddar and savory marinara. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it's easy to make and utterly satisfying. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring this tasty twist on classic flavors to your table! Enjoy and impress your loved ones!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs

1 large egg

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 cups (about 200g) cooked macaroni pasta

2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

1 cup (240ml) milk

1/2 cup (120g) sour cream

1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce

1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking when you finish assembling the casserole.

    In a large mixing bowl, blend together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, along with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix until everything is well incorporated.

      Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray or a bit of olive oil. Spread the meat mixture evenly across the bottom to form a solid base layer.

        In a separate bowl, combine the cooked macaroni pasta with 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly until the macaroni is well coated in the creamy mixture.

          Carefully layer the macaroni mixture on top of the meat layer in the casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

            Pour the marinara sauce over the macaroni layer, ensuring it is evenly distributed for added moisture and flavor.

              Top everything off by sprinkling the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the saucy layer.

                Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

                  Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps it set and makes serving easier. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

                    - Prep Time: 15 minutes

                      - Total Time: 50 minutes

                        - Servings: 6

                          Presentation Tips: Serve generous portions of the casserole on individual plates and garnish with additional parsley. Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal. Enjoy your delicious Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole!