Baked Meatloaf with Cheesy Pasta
A layered comfort dish with seasoned baked meatloaf topped with creamy cheesy pasta, all cooked together in one dish.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium Saucepan
- Whisk
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Spatula
- Knife
Ingredients
Meatloaf Layer
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 cup ketchup
Cheesy Pasta Layer
- 1 1/2 cups cooked short pasta elbow macaroni or small shells
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup milk or light cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- cooking spray or oil for baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl and let soften.
- Mix ground beef, softened breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, parsley, and ketchup until just combined.
- Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then slowly whisk in milk or cream until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in cheddar and mozzarella until smooth, then add cooked pasta and mix well.
- Spoon the cheesy pasta evenly over the meatloaf layer and spread gently.
- Bake uncovered for 60 to 65 minutes until fully cooked and lightly golden on top.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Keep the cheese sauce slightly loose before baking so the pasta stays creamy after cooking.