Description
A comforting weeknight dinner that combines savory ground beef with creamy macaroni and cheese. This easy-to-make loaf is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for families.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 2 cups cooked macaroni and cheese (elbow shape)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook macaroni according to package directions, drain well (do not rinse), and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix gently with hands until just combined.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Press down firmly to remove air pockets and smooth the top.
- Bake in the center of the oven for 45 minutes. If the top browns too quickly after 30 minutes, tent loosely with aluminum foil.
- Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should reach 160°F (71°C). If needed, bake in 5-minute increments.
- Remove from oven and let rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat to avoid a dense texture. Ensure pasta is well-drained to prevent sogginess. Let the loaf rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and structure to set. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 18 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: meatloaf, mac and cheese, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipes, ground beef, cheesy dinner, weeknight meals