Family Size Meatloaf Pasta Bake
A large-batch comfort dish made with seasoned meatloaf and creamy cheesy pasta, baked together for easy family-style serving.
Equipment
- Extra-large mixing bowl
- Medium Saucepan
- Whisk
- Large 9x13-inch baking dish
- Spatula
- Knife
Ingredients
Meatloaf Base
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/3 cup ketchup
Cheesy Pasta Layer
- 3 cups cooked short pasta elbow macaroni or small shells
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups milk or light cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- cooking spray or oil for baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and generously grease a large baking dish.
- Combine breadcrumbs and milk and let sit until fully absorbed.
- Mix ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, 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 cheeses until melted, then add cooked pasta and mix well.
- Spoon the cheesy pasta evenly over the meat layer.
- Bake uncovered for 65 to 70 minutes until fully cooked and lightly golden.
- Let rest 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use a deep baking dish to prevent overflow when scaling this recipe for family-size portions.