Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: Ultimate Comfort Food

Mac and cheese meatloaf casserole transforms two classic comfort foods into one irresistible dish. Creamy macaroni meets savory meatloaf in perfect harmony, creating layers of flavor your family will crave. This hearty mac and cheese meatloaf casserole delivers restaurant-quality taste with simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings, it feeds a crowd without stress. Ready in just one hour, this mashup brings warmth and satisfaction to every table.

Why You’ll Love This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Two Favorites Combined: This mac and cheese meatloaf casserole merges beloved classics into one satisfying dish that everyone adores.
• Kid-Approved Winner: Cheesy layers appeal to children while hearty meatloaf satisfies adults at family dinners.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare components ahead and bake when ready for stress-free entertaining or meal planning.
• Customizable Creation: Add your favorite vegetables, swap cheese varieties, or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Meatloaf Layer:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
• 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Mac and Cheese Layer:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder

Ingredient Notes:

Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy meatloaf without excessive grease. Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor that stands up to baking. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-packaged varieties. Dry mustard powder enhances cheese flavor without adding moisture.

How to Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Follow these steps for perfect mac and cheese meatloaf casserole every time:

Prepare Your Oven and Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with cooking spray. Proper greasing prevents sticking and ensures easy serving later.

Build the Meatloaf Base: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands until ingredients just combine without overworking. Press mixture evenly into prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes while you prepare other components.

Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to boil in a large pot. Add macaroni and cook until just shy of al dente, about 7 minutes. The pasta will continue cooking during baking, so slightly undercooking prevents mushiness. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Create Velvety Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for one minute to cook out raw flour taste. This creates a roux that thickens your sauce. Gradually pour in milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook mixture, stirring frequently, until it bubbles and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Season and Finish Sauce: Add salt, pepper, paprika, and dry mustard to thickened milk mixture. Stir in 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, reserving remaining cheese for topping. Whisk until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes smooth and glossy.

Assemble the Casserole: Fold drained macaroni into cheese sauce until every piece gets coated. Remove partially baked meatloaf from oven and spread mac and cheese mixture evenly over top. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese across the surface for golden, bubbly finish.

Final Bake: Return assembled casserole to oven and bake 25 minutes until cheese melts, bubbles vigorously, and develops light golden spots. Let rest 10 minutes before serving so layers set properly.

Pro Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Choose quality ground beef with 80/20 ratio for ideal moisture and flavor balance. Undercook pasta by one minute since it continues cooking during baking. Make cheese sauce thick enough to coat pasta heavily without being gloppy. Let assembled casserole rest 10 minutes after baking so layers firm up and slices hold shape. Use freshly shredded cheese for superior melting and avoid waxy texture from anti-caking agents in pre-shredded varieties.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

Serving Ideas:

Plate your mac and cheese meatloaf casserole with crisp Caesar salad and best homemade cheddar biscuits. Steam broccoli or green beans alongside for color contrast and nutrition. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for bright, fresh finish.

Storage Solutions:

Store leftovers in airtight containers refrigerated for up to 4 days. Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Reheat oven-covered at 350°F for 20 minutes or microwave individual servings in 1-minute increments.

Creative Variations:

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for lighter version. Mix in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers with meatloaf mixture. Try different cheese combinations like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or smoked cheddar. Add crumbled bacon or diced ham for extra protein punch.

Nutrition Information

Each serving of mac and cheese meatloaf casserole provides these approximate values (based on 6 servings):

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This mac and cheese meatloaf casserole proves comfort food can be both simple and spectacular. Layers of savory meatloaf topped with creamy mac and cheese create unforgettable flavor combinations. The straightforward preparation and customizable nature make this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole your new weeknight hero. Whether feeding hungry kids or impressing dinner guests, this mashup delivers satisfaction every time. Gather your ingredients and discover why two classics work even better together.

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: Ultimate Comfort Food

This mac and cheese meatloaf casserole combines two classic comfort foods into one irresistible, family-friendly dish. Juicy meatloaf forms a savory base, topped with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a hearty dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 360 kcal

Ingredients

  

Meatloaf Layer

• 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend
• 1/2 cup yellow onion diced
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg beaten
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Mac and Cheese Layer

• 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded

Cheese Sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Press evenly into the prepared dish and bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
• Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened.
• Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dry mustard. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese until smooth.
• Fold macaroni into cheese sauce. Spread over the meatloaf layer and top with remaining cheese.
• Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Undercook pasta slightly so it finishes perfectly in the oven. Let the casserole rest before serving to help the layers set cleanly.

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