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Comforting Mac and Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe Easy and Delicious

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A cozy, cheesy meatloaf stuffed with creamy cheddar mac and cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ pounds (680g) ground beef (80/20 mix recommended for juiciness)
  • 1 cup (90g) breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • ½ cup (60g) finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup (100g) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente and drained
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups (360ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and nutty.
  3. Slowly whisk in 1½ cups warmed whole milk, stirring constantly until sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and ½ teaspoon mustard powder. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in cooked macaroni and set aside to cool slightly.
  5. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, ½ cup milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until just combined.
  6. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Press half of the meat mixture into the bottom and up the sides, creating a hollow center.
  7. Spoon the mac and cheese mixture evenly into the cavity, smoothing the top.
  8. Cover with remaining meat mixture, sealing edges and smoothing the top. Optionally sprinkle extra cheddar on top.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake meatloaf for 50-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and top is browned.
  10. Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing carefully to reveal the cheesy center.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness. Cook macaroni al dente to avoid overcooking inside the meatloaf. Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing to keep filling intact. Adjust breadcrumbs or milk to balance moisture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, stuffed meatloaf, comfort food, cheddar, family dinner, easy recipe, cheesy meatloaf

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/comforting-mac-and-cheese-stuffed-meatloaf-recipe-easy-and-delicious/