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sliced glazed meatloaf and creamy macaroni pasta served in cozy kitchen light

Comfort Style Meatloaf with Creamy Macaroni

Zac, the creator of Eat Every Slice, smiling in a kitchen while wearing an apron, specializing in Italian-American recipes.Zac
A classic comfort dinner featuring tender meatloaf served with creamy macaroni. Familiar, filling, and perfect for cozy family meals.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American Italian Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 510 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Baking dish

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup grated onion
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 cup ketchup

Creamy Macaroni

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni dry
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a baking dish.
  • In a bowl, mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and ketchup just until combined.
  • Shape mixture into a loaf and place in the baking dish. Bake 40 to 45 minutes until cooked through.
  • While meatloaf bakes, cook macaroni in salted water until tender. Drain.
  • Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
  • Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened, whisking often.
  • Stir in cheddar and salt until smooth, then fold in macaroni until coated.
  • Rest meatloaf 10 minutes, slice, and serve with creamy macaroni.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatloaf or it can turn dense. For the creamiest macaroni, keep heat low when melting the cheese and stir until smooth.
Keyword comfort style meatloaf, creamy macaroni side, family comfort dinner, meatloaf with macaroni