Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

Introduction

Two classic comfort foods collide in this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole—a hearty, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious dish that combines savory meatloaf with creamy macaroni and cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you need a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both kids and adults!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make – Simple ingredients, one-dish wonder
Family-friendly – A guaranteed hit with picky eaters
Meal-prep magic – Great for leftovers or freezer meals
Customizable – Swap meats, cheeses, or add veggies

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatloaf Layer:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Mac and Cheese Layer:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for extra meltiness)
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Topping (Optional):

• ½ cup additional shredded cheese
• ¼ cup crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Meatloaf Mixture

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Mix gently (don’t overwork).
3. Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.

2. Cook the Macaroni

1. Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente (about 6-7 minutes). Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute (don’t let it brown).
3. Gradually whisk in milk, then stir until thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Fold in the cooked macaroni.

4. Assemble & Bake

1. Spread the mac and cheese evenly over the meatloaf layer.
2. Sprinkle with extra cheese or crispy onions if desired.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
4. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: For a crispier top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch closely!).

Expert Tips for the Best Casserole

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meatloaf.
• Italian Twist: Use Italian seasoning and swap cheeses for provolone and Parmesan.
• Veggie Boost: Stir steamed broccoli or peas into the mac and cheese.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Refrigerate unbaked for up to 1 day (add 5-10 extra minutes baking time).
• Freeze before or after baking for 1 month (thaw before reheating).
• Leftovers keep for 3-4 days in the fridge (reheat in the oven for best texture).

Troubleshooting

Problem: Meatloaf too dense
Solution: Don’t overmix—just combine ingredients gently.

Problem: Mac and cheese dry
Solution: Add ¼ cup more milk to the sauce before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead?

Yes! For leaner meat, add 1 tbsp olive oil to keep it moist.

What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?

Substitute crushed crackers, oats, or panko.

Can I use boxed mac and cheese?

Yes—prepare as directed, then spread over the meatloaf.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom?

Pre-bake the meatloaf layer for 10 minutes before adding mac and cheese.

Why This Casserole is a Winner

Comfort food overload – The best of both worlds in one dish!
Feeds a crowd – Perfect for potlucks or big families
Kid-approved – Cheesy, meaty, and impossible to resist

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

---

• Author: Lara Smith
• Total Time: 1 Hour

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Looking for a comforting and hearty meal that combines two favorites? Try this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole! This dish layers creamy macaroni and cheese with savory meatloaf, creating a delicious casserole that’s perfect for family dinners.

---

Ingredients

Ground Beef: 1 lb

Onion: 1/2 cup, diced

Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup

Egg: 1 large

Milk: 1/4 cup

Salt: 1 tsp

Pepper: 1/2 tsp

Macaroni: 2 cups, uncooked

Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded

Butter: 2 tbsp

Flour: 2 tbsp

Milk: 2 cups

Salt: 1/2 tsp

Pepper: 1/4 tsp

Paprika: 1/2 tsp

Dry Mustard: 1/2 tsp

---

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare Meatloaf: In a bowl, combine ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well and press into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Bake Meatloaf: Bake for 20 minutes.

Cook Macaroni: While the meatloaf is baking, cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, dry mustard, and 1 1/2 cups of cheese until melted.

Combine: Stir cooked macaroni into cheese sauce. Pour over partially cooked meatloaf. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Bake Again: Return to oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines the best of both worlds, making it a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for those cozy nights in, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds.