Description
Mac and Cheese Lasagna is a layered dish combining macaroni and cheese with seasoned beef and marinara sauce, creating a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow or shells pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups grated cheese (1 cup sharp cheddar and 1 cup mozzarella)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage
- ½ cup diced onions
- ½ cup diced green bell peppers
- 3–4 minced garlic cloves
- 1–2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons sugar or sweetener
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbows until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the Italian seasoning, sugar or sweetener, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss in the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add marinara sauce and stir. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking until thickened.
- Turn heat to low. Add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and stir until melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked elbows to the cheese sauce and stir until coated.
- In a baking dish, layer meat sauce, cheesy pasta, ricotta, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Repeat layers. Top with 1 cup of cheddar and 1 cup of mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly. Broil for 3-5 minutes for a crispy top.
- Let rest for 10–15 minutes before cutting to hold layers.
Notes
- Use any type of milk for the recipe.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste.
- For a vegetarian option, replace meat with sautéed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 696 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 47 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Mac Cheese Lasagna, Baked Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Italian-American