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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole  

This comforting Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines two beloved dishes—savory meatloaf and creamy macaroni and cheese—into one hearty and indulgent meal. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole offers a balanced mix of textures and flavors that will satisfy everyone’s cravings.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatloaf Layer:

  • 2 lbs ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Mac and Cheese Layer:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping (Optional but Recommended):

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatloaf Layer
    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper until combined. Shape the mixture into an even layer in a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Bake for 20 minutes to partially cook the meatloaf.
  2. Cook the Macaroni and Cheese
    Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk, whisking to avoid lumps, until the sauce thickens. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Assemble the Casserole
    Spread the cooked macaroni evenly over the partially baked meatloaf layer. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and breadcrumbs over the top. Drizzle melted butter over the breadcrumbs.
  4. Bake and Serve
    Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes to get a crisp top. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Feel free to use a combination of cheeses, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack, for a richer flavor.
  • For a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños to the mac and cheese mixture or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top.
  • Author: Emily Marano
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g

Keywords: Mac and cheese meatloaf bake, cheesy meatloaf casserole, mac and cheese meatloaf recipe, comfort food casserole, easy meatloaf and macaroni casserole