INGREDIENTS

Meatloaf

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1/4 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
1/3 cup onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup ketchup, plus some extra for the top of the meatloaf
1 tablespoon sriracha
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 slice bread, cut or torn into small pieces
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
dash of garlic powder
2 strips bacon

Mac and Cheese:
1 cup curly, chunky pasta (I like Cellentani)
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
dash each – onion powder, dry mustard
3 ounces Cabot Legacy New York Reserve Cheddar, grated
3 ounces Cabot Legacy Farmhouse Reserve Cheddar, grated
1 slice American Cheese (optional)
1 1/2 cups milk

INSTRUCTIONS

Okay I’m calling this a recipe for two, but the truth is that you will have some leftovers. Not a lot, but enough to make a nice meatloaf sandwich the next day. You can’t be mad at me for that.Moving on . . .

For the meatloaf

preheat the oven to 350F. Place a piece of parchment paper (optional) on a rimmed baking sheet and set aside. In a large bowl combine all the ingredients. Tip: work the egg, milk and bread together – off to the side in the same bowl – and then gently incorporate into the meat.
For the mac-n-cheese, bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Ingredients for meatloaf for two
Carefully shape the mixture into a loaf and place on the parchment paper. I used to bake my meatloaf in a loaf pan but I don’t do that anymore. I like to use a fattier beef blend (85%). I think it makes a more tender, flavorful loaf. By putting the loaf on a baking sheet, the extra fat from the beef and bacon doesn’t accumulate in the loaf pan.
Meatloaf for two shaped into a loaf
Spread some ketchup on top and add the bacon.
Meatloaf for two topped with bacon
Bake for 40-45 minutes. The bacon should be nice and crispy when the loaf is done. If the meatloaf is done (internal temperature of at least 140F) but the bacon isn’t, just broil for a few minutes to crisp up the bacon.
While the meatloaf is baking, make your mac-n-cheese. Add your pasta to the boiling water.
cellentani

for mac-n-cheese

While the pasta is cooking, grate your cheese. As you know I am a die-hard Cabot cheese lover and am a member of their Cheese Board. That means I get a goody package filled with cheese and other fun stuff from them several times of year. This way I get to try new cheese (which supports my cheese addiction) and share with you guys!
Time to move on to making the roux for the cheese sauce. To make the roux, just melt the butter in a medium sized sauce pan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk together and let cook for a minute or two while whisking the whole time.
Slowly add the milk. Keep whisking. As the sauce thickens, add the cheese, dry mustard and onion powder.
Be sure to check your macaroni too. Don’t overcook.
Once the macaroni is cooked al dente, add to the cheese sauce.
Stir together and then put into a casserole dish. I used a small cast iron pan.
Mac-n-cheese ready to bake
Place in the oven with the meatloaf and bake until golden on top. It should take about 20-25 minutes.

Mac-n-Cheese golden on top

Now it’s time to dig in!
Meatloaf and mac-n-cheese ready to eat

Totally hit the spot! And just what I needed. And the meatloaf sandwich the next day was tasty too!