Mac and Cheese Lasagna appeals to the kids and really the kid in all of us. This cozy dish features creamy layers of shells and cheese interspersed with a savory mixture of ground beef, sauteed onions, minced garlic, and a blend of Italian cheeses.
We all look forward to the nights this mac and cheese lasagna is on the menu, although probably for different reasons.
The kids love it because it has all their favorites.
Also, because it’s delicious.
Me, I love it for those reasons but also because it’s super easy to fix even in a pinch.
Plus it’s also budget friendly, and that I know 100% nobody is going to complain about eating it!
That’s a dinner that has my whole foodie-lovin’, Mama heart.
Ingredients
To make this you need:
- Boxed macaroni shells and cheese– A 24 ounce box with the prepared cheese sauce
- Ground beef– Go for leaner ground beef so it doesn’t get too greasy
- Onion– Diced white onion
- Garlic– Minced
- Spaghetti sauce– Your favorite jarred kind or homemade sauce
- Cheese– Both shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese
How to Make
To make this mac and cheese lasagna, start by making the mac and cheese according to the package directions.
While the water is boiling for the mac and cheese, brown the ground beef, onions, and garlic in a separate skillet, stirring occasionally.
Once the beef is cooked, drain the mixture, and set it aside.
Lightly spray a 9×13″ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Spread half of the mac evenly out over the bottom of the dish.
Then, top the layer of shells with half the meat, half the sauce, and finally half of the cheeses.
Repeat the layers, finishing with the remainder of the cheeses.
Bake the casserole at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Let the macaroni and cheese lasagna rest 2-3 minutes before scooping and serving.
Enjoy!
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Tips and Tricks
- You could add a little heat with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Want it extra cheesy? Add some cheddar to the shells and cheese.
- Don’t skip letting it rest so that it doesn’t leak out when you scoop it.
Other Inventive Ways to Use Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese lasagna combines two comforting dishes into one delicious family favorite.
Make it and enjoy!
Looking for other inventive ways to use mac and cheese?
Try these:
- Three Cheese Gnocchi Mac & Cheese
- Fried Mac & Cheese Balls
- Macaroni & Cheese Egg Rolls
- Mac & Cheese Pizza
- Grilled Mac & Cheese Sandwich
- Mac And Cheese Soup
If you’ve tried this MAC & CHEESE LASAGNA, or any other recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers! You can also follow along with me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes and whatever else we’ve got going on!
Mac And Cheese Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1 24 oz box macaroni shells & cheese with prepared cheese sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 white onion, diced
- 2 cloves minced
- 1 1/2-2 cups spaghetti sauce
- 1 packed cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the mac and cheese according to package directions. Complete all steps.
- While the water is boiling for the mac, in a separate skillet brown the ground beef, onions, and garlic- stirring occasionally. Drain the mixture, and set aside.
- Lightly spray a 9x13" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spread half of the mac evenly out over the bottom. Top with a layer of half the meat, then a layer of half the sauce, and finally half of the cheeses.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with the remainder of the cheeses.
- Bake the casserole at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Let the casserole rest 2-3 minutes before scooping and serving.
Notes
- You could add a little heat with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Want it extra cheesy? Add some cheddar to the shells and cheese.
- Don't skip letting it rest so that it doesn't leak out when you scoop it.
Nutrition
originally published June 18, 2018
Liz says
This will be a hit with any family. Thank you for bringing it to FF.
Ashley says
How long would I cook this if I freeze it to bake later?
4sonsrus says
You can just layer it as is, cover tightly to prevent freezer burn, and thaw & bake as instructed when ready to use it.
Jennifer says
This was a hit with my 3 kiddos!! Thanks for sharing, we all loved it!!!
Sandra says
Hi, I’m wanting to make this recipe but not sure what you mean with (cheese with prepared cheese sauce)
4sonsrus says
In the pasta aisle of your local grocery store there will be a section of boxed mac and cheeses. You want one (like Velveeta) that comes with a ‘prepared cheese sauce’ meaning there’s a liquid-ish sauce packet in the box, not a cheese powder. Hope that helps, Sandra!
Lisa says
one pound of hamburger and two cups of sauce is not enough. if I made this again I would definitely use two pounds of hamburger and two jars of sauce.