Key Ingredients in Cheesy Mac And Cheese Lasagna

When I gathered everything for this Cheesy Mac And Cheese Lasagna recipe, I realized how each layer plays a specific role in building flavor and texture.

For the Mac & Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni or small shells

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Meat Sauce Layer:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/sausage)

• ½ cup onion, diced

• ½ cup green bell pepper, diced

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1–2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons sugar (to balance acidity)

• 24 oz marinara sauce

For Layering:

• ¾ cup ricotta cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cheesy Mac And cheese Lasagna

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Author: Chef Elise
Total Time: 1 hour 10 min
Yield: 6–8 servings

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Description

Cheesy Mac And Cheese Lasagna is a rich comfort dish layered with creamy macaroni, homemade cheese sauce, seasoned ground beef, marinara, and melted mozzarella and cheddar for a hearty, satisfying meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Mac & Cheese Layer: • 8 oz elbow macaroni or small shells • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 1 cup heavy cream • 1 cup milk • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • ½ teaspoon garlic powder • ½ teaspoon onion powder • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Meat Sauce Layer: • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/sausage) • ½ cup onion, diced • ½ cup green bell pepper, diced • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced • 1–2 teaspoons Italian seasoning • Salt and pepper, to taste • 2 tablespoons sugar (to balance acidity) • 24 oz marinara sauce

For Layering: • ¾ cup ricotta cheese • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just tender. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground meat until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease.

Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.

Stir in Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour in marinara sauce, reduce heat, and let simmer for about 10 minutes.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook briefly to form a smooth base.

Slowly add milk and cream, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.

Lower the heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and mix until fully coated.

5. Assemble the Layers

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a 9×13 baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of cheesy pasta.

Add dollops of ricotta and sprinkle mozzarella.

Repeat layers, finishing with remaining mozzarella and cheddar on top.

6. Bake

Cover with foil (lightly greased to prevent sticking) and bake for 30–35 minutes.

Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

7. Optional Finish

For a crisp top, broil for 3–5 minutes until nicely browned.

8. Rest and Serve

Let the dish sit for 10–15 minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape.

Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 50 min
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

If you enjoy hearty comfort meals like this Cheesy Mac And Cheese Lasagna, you might also like One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice or Crockpot BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese. They share that same satisfying, cozy feel.

How to Make Cheesy Mac And Cheese Lasagna Step-by-Step

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just tender, then drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Break it into crumbles and drain excess grease.
Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant. Stir in Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper, then pour in marinara sauce. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a smooth base. Slowly add milk and cream, whisking until thickened.
Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, mixing until fully coated.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, then a layer of cheesy pasta. Add ricotta and sprinkle mozzarella. Repeat layers.
Finish with remaining mozzarella and cheddar on top. Cover with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil briefly if you want a crisp top.
Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Tips for the Best Results

Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt and better flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue cooking in the oven.
Letting the lasagna rest is essential for clean slices.
Adjust seasoning in each layer to avoid a bland final dish.
Try swapping proteins or adding mushrooms for variation.

If you love slow-cooked comfort meals, Crockpot Loaded Cheeseburger is another great option to try.

Conclusion

After making this Cheesy Mac And Cheese Lasagna, it quickly became one of those recipes I keep coming back to. It’s rich, filling, and incredibly satisfying without being complicated. The layers come together in a way that feels both comforting and a little indulgent, making Cheesy Mac And Cheese Lasagna perfect for sharing or simply enjoying over a few days.

Looking for inspiration? Visit Elise Chef on Pinterest to explore beautifully curated high-fiber recipes and discover your next healthy habit.