This Mac & Cheese Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food mashup! Layers of creamy homemade mac and cheese, savory meat sauce, ricotta, and lasagna noodles baked to golden perfection.
Mac & Cheese Lasagna
If classic lasagna and ultra-creamy mac and cheese had a baby, this would be it. This Mac & Cheese Lasagna is rich, cheesy, meaty, and guaranteed to steal the show at family dinners, holidays, or anytime you want a dish that screams comfort food.
With layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, homemade mac and cheese, and tender lasagna noodles, every bite is indulgent, satisfying, and unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with five cheeses 🧀
- Creamy homemade mac and cheese sauce
- Hearty meat sauce with tomatoes and herbs
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Great make-ahead and freezer-friendly dish
🧀🥩 Mac & Cheese Lasagna (Ultimate Cheesy Comfort Food)
Ingredients
Ricotta Layer
- 3 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp Italian herbs paste
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- Italian seasoning, black pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder (to taste)
Pasta
- Elbow macaroni noodles
- Lasagna noodles
Cheese Blend (Mac & Cheese)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 cup gouda cheese, grated
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese, grated
- 1 cup Colby jack cheese, grated
Mac & Cheese Sauce
- ½ stick garlic & herb butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups evaporated milk
- Mustard powder
- White pepper & black pepper
- Garlic powder & onion powder
- Paprika
- Cajun seasoning
- Complete seasoning (to taste)
Meat Sauce
- Ground beef
- ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped
- ½ white onion, finely chopped
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- Marinara sauce
- Preferred seasonings
- Fresh parsley
How to Make Mac & Cheese Lasagna
1. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, Italian herbs paste, parmesan, mozzarella, and seasonings. Mix well and set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta
Boil elbow macaroni and lasagna noodles for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Mac & Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly add heavy cream and evaporated milk.
Season to taste, then reduce heat to low. Add grated cheeses and stir until smooth. Fold in the cooked elbow macaroni.
4. Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large pan, cook ground beef with chopped onion and green pepper until browned.
Add diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, seasonings, and fresh parsley. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
5. Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a foil pan or baking dish, layer:
- Meat sauce
- 4 lasagna noodles
- Ricotta mixture
- Mac & cheese
- Remaining grated cheeses
- Repeat layers, finishing with mac & cheese and extra cheese on top
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, then broil for 5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 30 minutes before slicing.
Recipe Card
📌 Mac & Cheese Lasagna
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Instructions
- Prepare ricotta mixture and set aside.
- Cook pasta and drain.
- Make mac & cheese sauce and combine with elbow noodles.
- Cook ground beef and prepare meat sauce.
- Layer ingredients in baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, then broil for 5 minutes.
- Rest, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Tips for Best Results
- Let the lasagna rest before cutting for clean slices
- Use freshly grated cheese for smoother sauce
- Add cooked bacon or sausage for extra flavor
- Serve with garlic bread or a simple salad
