Get ready to fall in love with ultimate comfort food: the Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. This crowd-pleasing casserole brings together two beloved classics in one glorious, layered bake — a savory meatloaf base topped with creamy, gooey homemade macaroni and cheese. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to win over guests at a potluck, this dish guarantees rave reviews and second helpings, all while keeping things surprisingly simple.

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and fridge favorites, you can whip up this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole in no time. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building flavor, holding the layers together, or making that cheesy golden top too tempting to resist!

Ground beef: The foundation of the casserole, providing hearty flavor and structure; opt for 80/20 for juiciness.
Breadcrumbs: Essential for binding the meatloaf and lending a tender bite to every forkful.
Egg: Acts as the glue for the meat mixture, ensuring it holds its shape.
Milk: Adds moisture to both the meatloaf and cheese sauce; don’t skip it for that creamy finish!
Garlic powder: Brings a subtle hint of warmth and savoriness to the base.
Onion powder: Rounds out the flavors of the meatloaf with a gentle, aromatic kick.
Worcestershire sauce: Delivers a tangy punch that transforms the beef into something extra special.
Salt and pepper: Never overlook these—season every layer for max flavor.
Elbow macaroni: The go-to pasta for soaking up all that luscious cheese sauce.
Butter: Forms the rich base for the cheese sauce; always use unsalted if possible.
All-purpose flour: Thickens your cheese sauce to the perfect consistency.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Central to that irresistible oozy, cheesy blanket on top—use sharp cheddar for best results.
Mustard powder: Adds depth and a mildly tangy edge to the cheese sauce.
Paprika: Infuses color and subtle smokiness that pops on your plate.
Chopped parsley (optional): Brightens up the casserole at serving time with herbal freshness.

How to Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

Start things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/4 cup of milk, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, plus salt and pepper. Mix everything with a gentle hand—you want it just combined for the juiciest meatloaf base. Press the mixture evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, smoothing out the top so you have a uniform layer.

Step 2: Bake the Meatloaf Layer

Slide the baking dish into your hot oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. This initial bake cooks the meatloaf nearly through, helping it set up as a sturdy foundation for your decadent macaroni topping. While it bakes, you’ll have just the right amount of time to move on to your tasty cheese sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Macaroni

Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add your elbow macaroni. Cook according to package directions, then drain and set aside. Make sure to stir the pasta during cooking to prevent sticking—no one wants clumpy noodles in their Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole!

Step 4: Make the Cheddar Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk together for about one minute—this cooks out any raw flavor. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, until the sauce thickens. Turn down the heat, then add the shredded cheddar cheese, mustard powder, paprika, and a bit more salt. Stir until the sauce becomes velvety and every bit of cheese is melted.

Step 5: Assemble and Final Bake

Toss the drained elbows right into the cheese sauce, stirring until every noodle is completely coated. Once your meatloaf layer comes out of the oven, evenly spoon the mac and cheese over the top. Don’t be shy—the more, the merrier! Return the whole dish to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and perfectly golden on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes so it slices like a dream.

How to Serve Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley works wonders to brighten up the golden cheesy crown of your Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. If you like a touch of heat, a dusting of smoked paprika adds color and extra dimension. For even more drama, try a handful of crispy bacon bits or a few sliced green onions right before serving.

Side Dishes

This hearty casserole is definitely a meal on its own, but a crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts wonderfully through the richness. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli make delicious and simple companions, balancing out the decadence with their freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For weeknight fun, cut squares and serve on individual plates, letting that cheesy top cascade down onto each portion. Hosting a party? Try scooping hearty spoonfuls into small ramekins for adorable, personal servings. You could even slice the casserole into wedges and tuck them into soft rolls for a playful, sandwich-style experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole stores beautifully! Simply cover any leftovers with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. The reheated layers stay moist and delicious, making lunch the next day something to look forward to.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or place portions in freezer-safe containers. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so everything stays creamy rather than watery.

Reheating

For single servings, pop them in the microwave covered loosely with a damp paper towel until hot throughout. If you’re reheating the whole casserole, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of milk if needed to keep the mac and cheese layer creamy.

FAQs

Can I swap out the ground beef for another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative all work beautifully in this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as leaner meats may cook through a little faster.

What kind of cheese is best for the mac and cheese topping?

Sharp cheddar cheese is the classic choice for maximum flavor and that signature orange hue, but feel free to mix in some Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gruyère for a different twist on your Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole.

Can I add any vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! Finely diced bell peppers, onions, or even grated carrot can be mixed into the meatloaf layer for an extra veggie boost. For the mac and cheese, try adding steamed broccoli florets or peas just before baking.

How do I keep the macaroni from getting mushy?

Be sure to cook the elbow macaroni just to al dente before combining with the cheese sauce and returning to the oven. Overcooked noodles can go soft with the final bake, so keeping a slight bite is key.

Why does my cheese sauce turn out grainy?

Graininess usually happens if the cheese is added to a sauce that is too hot or if low-quality cheese is used. Remove the pan from heat before stirring in the cheese, and always use freshly grated cheese for the creamiest results in your Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving maximum coziness in every bite, you simply have to try this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. It’s easy, customizable, and sure to make any dinner table feel extra special—don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite! Give it a go and share your delicious results.

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. A delicious twist on classic meatloaf, this hearty dish combines savory ground beef with creamy mac and cheese for a satisfying family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatloaf:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mac and Cheese:

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Salt to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Meatloaf: Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Press into a baking dish and bake.
Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions and drain.
Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk. Stir in cheese, mustard powder, paprika, and salt until smooth.
Combine and Bake: Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce. Spoon over the partially cooked meatloaf. Bake until bubbly and golden.
Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative.
Add cooked bacon or diced tomatoes for extra flavor in the mac and cheese layer.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American