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Ultimate Creamy Mac & Cheese Lasagna Bake

This Ultimate Creamy Mac & Cheese Lasagna Bake combines the comforting layers of mac and cheese with the hearty structure of lasagna, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Mac & Cheese
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups milk (whole for creaminess!)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lasagna Layers
  • 9 pieces lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 piece egg (optional, for added creaminess)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup additional mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Method
 

Cooking the Macaroni
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  2. Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until thickened—about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and salt & pepper. Remove from heat and add the cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted and creamy.
Combining the Mac & Cheese
  1. Toss the drained macaroni into the cheesy sauce until every noodle is coated in that luscious mixture.
Preparing the Ricotta Filling
  1. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg (if using), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Layering Your Lasagna
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a large baking dish.
  2. Place three lasagna noodles on top, then half the mac and cheese, followed by half the ricotta mixture.
  3. Repeat, adding another layer of noodles, marinara sauce, and more mac and cheese.
  4. Finish with the remaining noodles, the last of your marinara, and a generous topping of mozzarella cheese.
Baking
  1. Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  3. Let it cool for a few minutes—if you can wait that long!

Notes

Feel free to customize with veggies, cooked ground beef or turkey. Make it ahead of time and store in the fridge; just adjust baking time. If the sauce looks lumpy, it adds to the flavor!