Cheesy Macaroni Lasagna Delight
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion with our Cheesy Macaroni Lasagna Delight! This hearty one-dish meal combines the classic flavors of creamy macaroni and cheese, rich spaghetti sauce, and savory ground beef, layered to perfection in the oven. Perfect for families and gatherings, this recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike. Easy to prepare and bursting with cheesy goodness, this lasagna makes a satisfying weeknight dinner that you'll want to share with everyone!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Macaroni & Cheese Dinner Mix
1 (7 1/4 ounce) box (Follow package instructions to prepare.)
Butter or Margarine
1/4 cup (Melt before adding to macaroni.)
Milk
1/4 cup (Use in preparation of macaroni.)
Spaghetti Sauce
1 1/2 cups (Use as a layer in the lasagna.)
Lean Ground Beef
1/2 lb (Cooked and drained.)
Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
1 cup (Use as a top layer.)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
2 tablespoons (Sprinkle on top before baking.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a saucepan, prepare the macaroni and cheese according to the package directions, using the milk and melted butter to create a creamy mixture.
3
Once ready, spoon half of the macaroni and cheese into a lightly greased 8-inch square baking dish, spreading it evenly.
4
Layer half of the spaghetti sauce over the macaroni, then sprinkle half of the cooked and drained ground beef followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
5
Repeat the layering process with the remaining macaroni, sauce, meat, and mozzarella cheese.
6
Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the final layer.
7
Cover the dish with aluminum foil (optional) and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and bubbly.
8
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Macaroni Lasagna Delight?
It is a hearty one-dish fusion meal that combines creamy macaroni and cheese, spaghetti sauce, and savory ground beef in layers.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size box of macaroni and cheese is required?
The recipe calls for one 7 1/4 ounce box of Macaroni and Cheese Dinner Mix.
How much ground beef is needed for this lasagna?
You will need 1/2 lb of lean ground beef, cooked and drained.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use 1/4 cup of either butter or margarine to prepare the macaroni.
What is the recommended baking dish size?
The recipe recommends using a lightly greased 8-inch square baking dish.
How much spaghetti sauce is used in the layers?
You will need a total of 1 1/2 cups of spaghetti sauce.
What type of mozzarella cheese should I buy?
Use 1 cup of shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese.
What is the final topping for the dish?
The final layer is topped with 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
How long does the lasagna need to bake?
Bake it for 20 minutes, or until it is thoroughly heated and bubbly.
Should I cover the dish while baking?
Covering the dish with aluminum foil is optional but can be done during the 20-minute bake time.
Do I need to cook the macaroni before assembling?
Yes, prepare the macaroni and cheese according to the package directions before starting the layering process.
Is this recipe considered a quick dinner?
Yes, with simple ingredients and a 20-minute bake time, it is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
How many layers of macaroni are there?
The dish involves two layers of macaroni: half is placed at the bottom and the other half is placed in the middle.
Can I substitute the ground beef with something else?
While the recipe calls for lean ground beef, you could substitute it with ground turkey or sausage.
Should I let the lasagna cool before serving?
Yes, let it cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to set before slicing.
How much milk is used in the macaroni preparation?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of milk as part of the macaroni and cheese mixture.
Is this dish suitable for families?
Yes, it is a family-oriented recipe designed to please both kids and adults.
What category of food is this recipe?
It is categorized as a comfort food, specifically a pasta bake or one-dish meal.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, the 8-inch square baking dish should be lightly greased before adding the layers.
What is the order of the first layer?
The first layer consists of half the macaroni, followed by half the sauce, half the beef, and half the mozzarella.
Does this recipe include vegetables?
The base recipe does not include vegetables, but you could add them to the spaghetti sauce if desired.
Is this lasagna very cheesy?
Yes, it features cheese from the macaroni mix, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan.
What makes it a 'lasagna'?
It is referred to as a lasagna because the ingredients are layered sequentially in a baking dish.
Can I use homemade macaroni instead of a mix?
Yes, you can substitute the box mix with an equivalent amount of prepared homemade macaroni and cheese.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients required for this recipe.
What kind of sauce should I use?
Standard spaghetti sauce is used to provide the classic lasagna flavor profile.
Is the ground beef raw when added to the dish?
No, the ground beef must be cooked and drained before it is layered into the lasagna.
Can this be made in a larger pan?
The recipe is sized for an 8-inch pan; if using a larger pan, you should double the ingredients to maintain the thickness of the layers.