Name: Mac and Cheese Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (24 oz) box macaroni shells & cheese with prepared cheese sauce; 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 white onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 to 2 cups spaghetti sauce; 1 packed cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 12 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Mac and Cheese Lasagna Recipe because it combines two of my all-time favorite comfort foods into one irresistible dish. Imagine creamy, cheesy macaroni meeting savory browned beef and spaghetti sauce, layered like a lasagna, then baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time I make it, and the flavors blend so beautifully that it feels both familiar and exciting. I can’t wait for you to try making this at home and experience the cozy, cheesy goodness I adore.

Why You’ll Love This Mac and Cheese Lasagna Recipe

What really makes this Mac and Cheese Lasagna Recipe stand out for me is its fantastic flavor harmony. The rich, creamy mac and cheese acts as a soft, cheesy canvas while the seasoned ground beef and tangy spaghetti sauce add depth and a hearty bite. I love how the mozzarella and Parmesan melt into the layers, giving it a golden, bubbly crust that’s pure comfort on a plate.

Besides the amazing flavor, I appreciate how straightforward this recipe is to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings because it doesn’t require a ton of complicated steps or special ingredients. You just layer, bake, and enjoy! I always find it impresses guests without stressing me out in the kitchen, making it a go-to for potlucks, holidays, or when I need a cozy dinner that feels like a hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A shiny metal pan filled with a thick red-brown ground meat sauce sits on a white marbled surface with a wooden spoon resting inside it, its handle white and wooden. Next to the pan is a small white bowl filled with shredded light yellow cheese and another small white bowl with finely shredded pale yellow cheese. Below, a clear glass bowl holds bright orange macaroni and cheese curls. On the right edge of the image, part of a white ceramic baking dish is visible, and above it is a white towel with red stripes on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this dish are simple yet essential, each bringing something important to the table: creamy texture, meaty richness, tangy sauce, or cheesy topping. I find that using quality basics really elevates the final dish.

24 oz box macaroni shells & cheese: The tender, cheesy pasta forms the creamy base of our lasagna layers.
1 lb ground beef: Adds hearty protein and savory flavor that balances the richness.
1/2 white onion, diced: Provides a mild sweetness and aromatic bite to the beef mixture.
2 cloves minced garlic: Gives a warm, fragrant depth that complements the meat.
1 1/2 to 2 cups spaghetti sauce: I usually use my favorite jarred sauce for tangy, tomato-y brightness.
1 packed cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create gooey, stretchy cheese layers.
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty punch that makes the top crust extra flavorful.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the mac and cheese according to the package directions. Be sure to complete all steps, including stirring in the cheese sauce thoroughly so every shell is nice and creamy.

Step 2: While waiting for the water to boil for the mac and cheese, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Brown everything together, making sure to stir occasionally so the meat cooks evenly and the onions soften. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat and set the mixture aside.

Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread half of the prepared mac and cheese evenly over the bottom of the dish.

Step 4: On top of the mac and cheese, layer half of the browned beef mixture, followed by half of the spaghetti sauce. Then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This layering helps all elements meld together beautifully during baking.

Step 5: Repeat the layering process with the remaining mac and cheese, beef, sauce, and cheeses, finishing with the cheese on top for a golden crust.

Step 6: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Once done, remove and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes so the layers set slightly and it’s easier to scoop and serve.

Servings and Timing

This Mac and Cheese Lasagna Recipe makes about 8 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering of friends. The prep time is around 15 minutes if you multitask efficiently, with about 40 minutes for cooking and browning your beef and boiling the pasta. The bake time is a quick 20 minutes, plus a few minutes of resting before serving. Altogether, you can expect to spend roughly 1 hour from start to finish to have this comfort food ready on your table.

How to Serve This Mac and Cheese Lasagna Recipe

A white baking dish filled with baked pasta has three clear layers: the bottom pasta layer is shell pasta mixed with red tomato sauce and meat, the middle layer is a thick mix of more tomato sauce and meat, and the top layer is melted light golden cheese with small green parsley leaves scattered on it. A wooden spoon scoops out some pasta from the corner, showing the inside texture, while a jar of red sauce sits beside the dish on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this dish hot right out of the oven when the cheese is still bubbling and golden. For sides, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness perfectly. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add nice texture and color to the plate.

When it comes to presentation, I like to sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness. You might also consider serving it in individual casserole dishes to make portioning easy and feel a bit more special at the dinner table.

As for drinks, I find that a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully with the cheesy and tomato flavors. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a fruity iced tea balances the richness nicely. This dish is fantastic for cozy weeknight dinners, casual weekend meals, or even holiday comfort food that everyone will ask for again.

Variations

I’m always experimenting with different twists on this Mac and Cheese Lasagna Recipe to keep it fresh and exciting. For instance, swapping out the ground beef for Italian sausage adds more spice and depth. If you want to go vegetarian, just omit the meat and add layers of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a tasty veggie-packed alternative.

If you need a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free macaroni and check for gluten-free jarred spaghetti sauce. For a vegan version, you can try vegan cheese and substitutes for the meat like lentils or plant-based crumble. The texture won’t be exactly the same, but it still hits those comfort notes.

Another fun spin is to mix different cheeses into the layers, like sharp cheddar for more bite or creamy ricotta between layers for extra lusciousness. Cooking methods can change too — I sometimes assemble it the night before and bake it fresh the next day, which intensifies the flavors wonderfully.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing any leftover Mac and Cheese Lasagna in an airtight container. It keeps nicely in the fridge for up to 4 days. Using a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid prevents the dish from drying out while preserving the flavors. You can portion it out to reheat just what you need later.

Freezing

This dish freezes quite well if you want to save some for later. I usually wrap the cooled lasagna tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to gently warm it through and revive that bubbly cheese topping. Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out, then uncover in the last 5 minutes for a crispy finish. Microwaving is quicker but can lead to uneven heating and a less satisfying texture, so I reserve it only when I’m in a rush.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While macaroni shells work best because they hold the cheese sauce well, you can also try elbow macaroni or small penne. Just make sure the pasta shape is able to trap the sauce and cheese in each bite.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the Mac and Cheese Lasagna Recipe a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it fresh when you’re ready to eat. This actually helps the flavors meld together nicely.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you love heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the browned beef or mix a little hot sauce into the spaghetti sauce. You can also layer sliced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?

Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken are leaner options that still work well in this recipe. Just brown them as you would the beef and adjust seasoning to your liking since poultry can be milder.

What’s the best way to get a crispy cheese topping?

For a perfectly crisp and golden cheese crust, I suggest finishing the bake with the foil off for the last 5 minutes. Using a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan is key because Parmesan browns beautifully and adds a lovely nutty flavor to the crust.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a cozy dish that brings together the best of mac and cheese and lasagna, this Mac and Cheese Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. I get so much joy making and sharing it because it feels special yet is incredibly easy. Trust me, once you try it, this layered, cheesy casserole will become one of your favorite comfort foods to rely on again and again.