Mac Cheese Meatloaf Casserole (Printable Version)

Hearty ground beef base topped with creamy mac and cheese, baked until golden and bubbly.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Meatloaf Base

01 - 500 g ground beef
02 - 50 g breadcrumbs
03 - 60 ml milk
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
06 - 1 clove garlic, minced
07 - 0.5 tsp salt
08 - 0.25 tsp black pepper
09 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
10 - 60 ml ketchup

→ Mac and Cheese Topping

11 - 200 g elbow macaroni, cooked
12 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
13 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
14 - 480 ml whole milk
15 - 200 g shredded cheddar cheese
16 - Additional shredded cheddar cheese for topping
17 - 0.5 tsp mustard powder (optional)
18 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - Set oven to 180°C. Lightly grease a 23x33 cm baking dish.
02 - In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup until just combined. Press mixture evenly into prepared dish.
03 - Bake the meat mixture for 15 minutes while preparing the topping.
04 - Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Stir in flour and cook 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until thickened, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until smooth. Add mustard powder if desired. Season with salt and pepper.
05 - Toss cooked macaroni with cheese sauce until fully coated.
06 - Remove meatloaf base from oven and evenly spread the mac and cheese over it. Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top.
07 - Return to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
08 - Allow dish to rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Recommended to serve with salad or steamed vegetables.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Ensure not to overmix the meat mixture to maintain a tender texture.

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