The Ultimate Mac 'N' Cheese-Stuffed Beef Meatloaf
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
1¼ lb (approximately 567 grams) lean ground beef
1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
½ cup finely diced onion
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ cup honey BBQ sauce
For the Filling:
1 cup prepared macaroni and cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Topping:
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1½ tablespoons yellow mustard
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, eggs, finely diced onion, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and honey BBQ sauce. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly combined.
Form the Base of the Meatloaf:
On the prepared baking sheet, take half of the meat mixture and shape it into an 8-inch by 4-inch loaf. Press down gently in the center to create a cavity, ensuring the sides are approximately 1 inch thick.
Add the Macaroni and Cheese Filling:
In a separate bowl, mix the prepared macaroni and cheese with shredded mozzarella cheese. Spoon this mixture into the cavity of the meatloaf base, spreading it out evenly.
Seal the Meatloaf:
Use the remaining meat mixture to cover the macaroni and cheese filling. Press the edges of the meatloaf together to seal the filling inside, ensuring it’s completely enclosed.
Bake the Meatloaf (Initial Bake):
Place the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.
Prepare the Topping:
While the meatloaf is baking, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
Apply the Topping:
After the initial 40 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Spread the prepared topping evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Finish Baking:
Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the topping is bubbly.
Rest and Serve:
Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture and enhances flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50–55 minutes | Total Time: 65–70 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 498 kcal per serving | Servings: 6