Why You’ll Love this Mac and Cheese Lasagna
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food mash-up, this Mac and Cheese Lasagna is about to become your new obsession.
I mean, who doesn’t love the creamy goodness of mac and cheese layered like a traditional lasagna?
What makes this dish so incredible is its versatility.
Need a meatless option? Simply use the spaghetti sauce without beef.
Prefer chicken? Swap it in.
The combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses creates that perfect stretchy, gooey texture we all crave, while the spaghetti sauce adds a tangy depth that elevates boxed mac and cheese to restaurant-worthy status.
What Ingredients are in Mac and Cheese Lasagna?
This Mac and Cheese Lasagna combines two family favorites into one deliciously comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. The beauty of this recipe is that it starts with a boxed mac and cheese dinner mix, which creates a creamy, cheesy base, but then transforms it into something special with the addition of spaghetti sauce and extra cheese. It’s like taking a shortcut to flavor town without sacrificing that homemade taste we all crave.
- 1 (7 1/4 ounce) package macaroni & cheese dinner mix
- 1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
When shopping for ingredients, feel free to customize based on your preferences or dietary needs. Not a meat eater? You can easily make this vegetarian by skipping the ground beef and just using spaghetti sauce. Or if you’re more of a chicken fan, substitute pre-cooked chicken for the beef. The cheese amounts are also starting points—who among us hasn’t snuck in an extra handful of cheese when no one was looking? For the spaghetti sauce, your favorite jarred variety works perfectly, but if you’ve got homemade on hand, even better!
How to Make this Mac and Cheese Lasagna
Making this comforting Mac and Cheese Lasagna couldn’t be simpler, and it all starts with preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing an 8×8 baking dish.
While the oven heats up, brown 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet until no pink remains, then drain off any excess fat. Combine the cooked beef with 1½ cups of spaghetti sauce, stirring until well mixed. This meat sauce forms the hearty middle layer that gives our lasagna its satisfying texture and robust flavor.
Next, prepare 1 package (7¼ ounce) of macaroni and cheese dinner mix according to the package directions—typically boiling the pasta, draining it, then stirring in the cheese packet with milk and butter.
Now comes the fun layering part, which is where the magic happens. Spread exactly half of your prepared mac and cheese in an even layer on the bottom of your greased baking dish. Top this with half of your meat sauce mixture, then sprinkle with half of the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat these layers once more, creating a double-decker comfort food masterpiece.
Pop your creation into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the cheese on top has melted to gooey perfection.
As a finishing touch, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese over the top before serving. The result? A bubbling dish of cheesy, saucy goodness that combines the best of two comfort food worlds.
And remember, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable—you can substitute pre-cooked chicken for the beef or skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version that’s just as delicious.
Mac and Cheese Lasagna Substitutions and Variations
While the classic version of this Mac and Cheese Lasagna is undeniably delicious, you’ve got plenty of room to play with substitutions and variations that might better suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
For a meatless option, simply skip the ground beef and use just spaghetti sauce. Vegetarians, rejoice! You can also substitute pre-cooked chicken for the beef if red meat isn’t your thing.
Not a fan of mozzarella? Try cheddar, provolone, or a blend of your favorite cheeses instead.
Want more veggies? Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers between the layers.
Need a gluten-free version? Look for gluten-free mac and cheese mixes at your local store.
What to Serve with Mac and Cheese Lasagna
So you’ve got this decadent, cheesy Mac and Cheese Lasagna ready to serve—but what should accompany this comfort food masterpiece?
I’m thinking simple, fresh sides that balance all that richness. A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette dressing cuts through the cheese perfectly.
Garlic bread? Always a winner, though perhaps carb overload for some (I won’t judge).
Roasted vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, or asparagus add nutritional value and color contrast.
For a complete meal, consider Italian-style green beans or a tomato-cucumber salad.
Final Thoughts
This Mac and Cheese Lasagna recipe truly represents the best of both comfort food worlds. I love how it transforms ordinary boxed mac and cheese into something special with just a few additional ingredients.
The layers of creamy pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese create a dish that’s both familiar and exciting.
What I appreciate most is its versatility—swap in chicken or go completely meatless if you prefer. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Trust me, this will become a regular in your dinner rotation, requested time and again.
