Who doesn’t love comfort food? When you combine two beloved classics meatloaf and mac and cheese you get the ultimate comfort meal that’s perfect for any family dinner. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion, this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole will have everyone coming back for seconds. Juicy meatloaf and creamy, cheesy mac and cheese come together in a single, flavorful casserole that’s nothing short of spectacular.

If you’re ready to dive into the world of cheesy, savory, and satisfying comfort food, this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole recipe is exactly what you need. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and a meal that satisfies every craving, this dish is bound to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

To make this dish, you’ll need two key components: the meatloaf and the mac and cheese. Here’s what you need to gather:

For the Meatloaf:

1 ½ lbs ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
½ cup milk
1 small onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup ketchup (for topping)

For the Mac and Cheese:

2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon mustard powder
Salt and pepper to taste

With these ingredients, you can create a hearty and satisfying casserole that combines the best of both worlds: classic meatloaf and rich, cheesy macaroni.

Preparation for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Preheat the Oven

The first step in making this casserole is preheating your oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the casserole bakes evenly. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or oil to make sure nothing sticks. Once the oven is preheated and the dish is ready, you’re all set to start cooking!

Prepare the Meatloaf Base

Next, you’ll prepare the meatloaf base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely diced onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The breadcrumbs and milk add moisture, while the egg helps bind everything together.

Mix everything thoroughly until it’s well combined. Then, press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared casserole dish, making sure it’s spread out evenly to cover the entire base. Once that’s done, spread a layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf for a flavorful and slightly tangy topping.

Bake the Meatloaf Base

Now, it’s time to bake the meatloaf base. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake the meatloaf for 25-30 minutes. Since we’re going to add mac and cheese on top later, we don’t want to fully cook the meatloaf yet—just partially cook it so that it holds its shape when the mac and cheese is added.

Once the meatloaf is partially cooked, remove it from the oven. Keep the oven on because we’ll be baking the casserole for a bit longer once it’s all assembled.

Prepare the Mac and Cheese

While the meatloaf is baking, you can get started on the mac and cheese. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly.

Next, gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Once the sauce has thickened, add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ teaspoon of mustard powder to the sauce. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper to your preference. Once the mac and cheese sauce is ready, add the cooked elbow macaroni and mix well until all the noodles are coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Assemble the Casserole

Now comes the fun part: assembling the casserole! Take your partially baked meatloaf base from the oven and spread the prepared mac and cheese evenly over the top. The rich, cheesy macaroni will complement the savory meatloaf perfectly.

If you love extra cheese (and who doesn’t?), sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mac and cheese. This will melt beautifully as it bakes and form a golden, bubbly crust.

Bake the Casserole

Once the casserole is fully assembled, return it to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbly and golden on top. The meatloaf should be fully cooked by this time, and the mac and cheese will be deliciously creamy.

Serve and Enjoy

After baking, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This short resting time allows everything to set, making it easier to cut into neat servings. When you take your first bite, you’ll experience the best of both worlds: a savory meatloaf base topped with rich, creamy mac and cheese.

Pair your casserole with a fresh side salad or some steamed vegetables to balance out the meal. This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is truly a comfort food masterpiece!

Nutritional Information

For a hearty and filling meal like this one, it’s good to know the nutritional breakdown. Each serving of Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole contains approximately:

Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Protein: 28g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 30g

While the casserole is indulgent, it also provides a solid amount of protein from the beef and cheese, making it a satisfying meal that will keep you full for hours.

Variations and Customizations

Add Vegetables

If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, feel free to add finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to the meatloaf mixture. These vegetables will blend seamlessly into the dish, adding color and nutritional value without compromising flavor.

Make it Spicy

If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding some diced jalapeños to the mac and cheese or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking. The subtle heat will elevate the flavor and add a new twist to this classic comfort dish.

Use Different Cheeses

Cheddar is a classic choice for mac and cheese, but you can switch things up by using other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack. Each cheese will bring a unique flavor and texture, so experiment to find your perfect combination.

Gluten-Free Option

For those who are following a gluten-free diet, you can make a few simple substitutions. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatloaf and gluten-free elbow macaroni for the pasta. With these adjustments, you can still enjoy this delicious casserole without worrying about gluten.

FAQs About Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf base and mac and cheese in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply assemble the casserole and bake it as directed. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months, then bake it from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef if you’re looking for a lighter option. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. Just ensure that the turkey is well-seasoned to keep it flavorful.

Can I freeze leftover casserole?

Yes, you can freeze any leftover casserole for later. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil before freezing. To reheat, bake it at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through and bubbly.

Conclusion

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to please everyone around the table. The savory meatloaf combined with the creamy, cheesy mac and cheese creates a satisfying meal that’s both filling and delicious. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, this dish is a winner for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even special occasions.

Looking for more delicious and comforting recipes? Try these crowd-pleasers:

With this easy-to-make recipe and its variations, you’re all set to create the ultimate comfort food experience at home. Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food

Author: Amelia Sullivan
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole brings together two all-time favorites: juicy, savory meatloaf and creamy, cheesy macaroni. The result is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for any dinner table. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Loaded with flavor and easy to make, it’s the ultimate comfort food experience!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatloaf:

1 ½ lbs ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
½ cup milk
1 small onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup ketchup (for topping)

For the Mac and Cheese:

2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon mustard powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set it aside.
Prepare the Meatloaf Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, diced onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Spread the ketchup evenly over the top.
Bake the Meatloaf:
Bake the meatloaf base in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until partially cooked. Remove from the oven, but keep the oven on.
Prepare the Mac and Cheese:
While the meatloaf is baking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the sauce thickens. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mustard powder until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni.
Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the prepared mac and cheese evenly over the partially cooked meatloaf base. Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top, if desired.
Bake the Casserole:
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve:
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the rich, savory goodness of this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole!

Notes

For an extra cheesy experience, feel free to top the casserole with more shredded cheddar cheese before baking.
You can make the meatloaf base ahead of time and store it in the fridge to save time on busy days.
This recipe is perfect for customizing with your favorite cheese variations or adding extras like cooked bacon or vegetables.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/6 of casserole)
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, Cheesy Meatloaf Pasta Bake, Meatloaf with Mac and Cheese, Meatloaf Casserole, Comfort Food Recipes, Mac and Cheese Dinner