Ultimate Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines juicy, flavorful meatloaf with creamy, cheesy macaroni for the ultimate family-friendly meal. Perfect for Sunday dinners or when you can’t decide between two favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🍽Double the comfort – All the best parts of meatloaf AND mac and cheese
Extra cheesy – Three types of cheese for maximum flavor
Feeds a crowd – Hearty portions that satisfy everyone
Crispy, golden top – That perfect cheese crust you can’t resist

Ingredients

(Serves 8-10)

For the Meatloaf Layer

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Mac and Cheese

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika

For Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatloaf Base

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
2. In large bowl, mix:

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan
• Egg
• Milk
• Seasonings

1. Press evenly into baking dish.
2. Bake 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

2. Make the Mac and Cheese

1. Cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions. Drain.
2. In saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Whisk in flour, cook 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
5. Stir in cheeses, mustard powder, and paprika until melted.
6. Fold in cooked pasta.

3. Assemble & Bake

1. Spread mac and cheese over meatloaf.
2. Top with remaining mozzarella.
3. Bake 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
4. Broil 1-2 minutes for golden top (watch carefully!).

4. Serve & Enjoy!

• Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
• Garnish with fresh parsley.

Pro Tips for Success

Meatloaf texture – Don’t overmix to keep it tender
Cheese sauce – Shred your own cheese for smoother melting
Pasta tip – Undercook slightly since it bakes more
Extra crispy – Sprinkle with panko before final bake

Make-Ahead & Storage

Prep ahead – Assemble up to 24 hours before baking
Freezing – Freeze before baking, add 10-15 minutes cook time
Leftovers – Reheat in oven at 350°F for best texture

Serving Suggestions

Pair with – Roasted veggies or crisp salad
Bread option – Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Kid-friendly – Serve with ketchup for dipping

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead?
A: Yes, but add 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent dryness

Q: What if my cheese sauce is lumpy?
A: Whisk vigorously or blend briefly with immersion blender

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use GF pasta and breadcrumbs + cornstarch instead of flour

Q: How do I prevent soggy meatloaf?
A: Drain any excess fat after first bake

Final Thoughts

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup! With its juicy meatloaf base, creamy mac and cheese middle, and crispy cheesy top, every bite is pure satisfaction. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or whenever you need some serious comfort.

Ultimate Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

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• Author: Lara Smith
• Total Time: 1H 30 mnt

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food combination with this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole! Perfect for family dinners, this dish combines the best of both worlds: savory meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 lbs ground beef

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 box (16 oz) elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 cups milk

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Press the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.

Bake the meatloaf layer for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.

While the meatloaf is baking, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the sauce begins to thicken.

Stir in the mustard powder, smoked paprika, and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine.

Spread the mac and cheese over the baked meatloaf layer. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this hearty Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole!