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Savory Smoked Mac and Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze

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A comforting and indulgent meatloaf stuffed with smoky mac and cheese and topped with a sticky BBQ glaze, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded smoked cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and bubbling.
  3. Slowly add warmed milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in smoked cheddar, mozzarella, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Mix in cooked macaroni until well coated. Set aside to cool slightly.
  5. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix gently.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
  7. Press half of the meat mixture evenly into the pan to form a base layer.
  8. Spoon the smoked mac and cheese filling over the meat, spreading it out but leaving space at the edges.
  9. Top with remaining meat mixture and gently press to seal edges and smooth surface.
  10. In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar to make the glaze.
  11. Brush glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf.
  12. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). About 15 minutes before done, brush with more glaze.
  13. Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Let the mac and cheese filling cool before stuffing to prevent the meat mixture from becoming too soft. Avoid over-mixing the meat to keep the loaf tender. Brush BBQ glaze multiple times during baking for a sticky, caramelized crust. Rest meatloaf before slicing to allow filling to set. Tent with foil if glaze starts to burn. Prepare mac and cheese filling a day ahead for convenience.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, mac and cheese, smoked cheese, BBQ glaze, comfort food, easy dinner, stuffed meatloaf

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/savory-smoked-mac-and-cheese-stuffed-meatloaf-with-bbq-glaze-recipe-for-easy-dinner-delight/