Easy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort meets creativity in this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole that redefines classic dinner magic.

Cheesy layers blend seamlessly with hearty ground beef, creating a mouthwatering twist on two beloved dishes.

Pasta lovers will swoon over the rich, creamy texture melding perfectly with seasoned meat.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Families gather around the table, eagerly anticipating each decadent, cheesy bite.

Simple ingredients come together in a way that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this ultimate comfort food mashup.

Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: Best of Both Worlds

Savor Comfort Food Magic: Reasons to Love This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Create One-Dish Wonder: Combines two classic comfort foods into a single, satisfying meal that eliminates multiple cooking steps and reduces kitchen cleanup.
• Customize with Ease: Offers flexible options like adding breadcrumb topping, adjusting cheese types, or incorporating extra seasonings to match personal taste preferences.
• Kid-Approved Crowd Pleaser: Delivers a hearty, protein-packed dish that children and adults will both enjoy, making family mealtime stress-free and delicious.
• Smart Meal Prep Champion: Perfect for preparing ahead, freezing, or storing leftovers, providing convenient nutrition for busy households seeking tasty, filling meals.

Ingredients for Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that creates the foundational layer of the casserole.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat mixture and adds texture to the meatloaf.
• Egg: Provides structure and helps hold the meatloaf together.

• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the meat mixture.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides aromatic seasoning to enhance the overall taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a creamy texture in both the meatloaf and mac and cheese.
• Butter: Creates a rich base for the cheese sauce.
• Flour: Used to make a roux and thicken the cheese sauce.
• Shredded Cheese: Delivers a creamy, cheesy flavor to the mac and cheese layer.
• Mustard Powder: Adds a subtle tangy note to the cheese sauce.

• Macaroni: The classic pasta that forms the cheesy top layer of the casserole.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional topping that provides a crunchy texture to the mac and cheese layer.

Step-by-Step Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Crank Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350F (175C) so it’s ready for our delicious creation.

Step 2: Craft the Meaty Foundation

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Ketchup
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Pepper

Smoosh and blend everything until well mixed.

Press this savory mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer that will be our flavor-packed base.

Step 3: Initial Meat Cooking

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

The meat should be mostly cooked through but not completely done.

Step 4: Boil the Pasta

Cook macaroni according to package directions.

Once done, drain and set aside.

Step 5: Whip Up Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux. Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.

Add mustard powder, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese. Stir until you have a silky, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cheese

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle is luxuriously coated.

Step 7: Layer and Top

Spread the cheesy macaroni over the partially cooked meatloaf.

For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.

Step 8: Final Bake

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Look for a bubbly, golden-brown top that screams deliciousness.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set.

Then dive in and enjoy your comfort food masterpiece!

Tips for Extra-Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier meatloaf base.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or monterey jack for more complex flavor profiles.
• Use whole wheat breadcrumbs or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions and add nutritional value.
• Enhance the dish's richness by adding crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions between the meatloaf and mac and cheese layers.
• Create a crispy topping by mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated parmesan cheese before sprinkling over the casserole.

Twist Ideas for Mac & Cheese Meatloaf

• Turkey Meatloaf Mac and Cheese: Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option, maintaining the same seasoning profile.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Combo: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, gluten-free pasta, and replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly version.
• Veggie-Loaded Mac and Cheese Meatloaf: Incorporate finely diced bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach into the meat mixture to boost nutritional value and add extra vegetables.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute macaroni with cauliflower rice or riced cauliflower and use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly alternative.

Serving Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Comfort Food Night Champion: Serve this hearty casserole as the star of a cozy family dinner, perfect for satisfying hungry appetites with its rich layers of meaty goodness and cheesy pasta.
• Potluck Party Showstopper: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings where everyone will marvel at the delicious combination of classic meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese, guaranteed to be the first empty dish.
• Game Day Feast Delight: Cut into squares and serve as a filling game day snack that combines protein and cheesy pasta, making it an ultimate crowd-pleaser for sports fans and hungry guests.

Keeping Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Fresh

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store mac and cheese meatloaf casserole in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping it sealed tightly to preserve flavor and texture.
• Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid, ensuring no air pockets that might cause freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date and contents to track storage time.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and maintains similar moisture levels as ground beef.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when making the cheese sauce.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most children love mac and cheese and meatloaf, making this casserole a crowd-pleaser that combines two classic comfort foods in one dish.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Cheesy Moist Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, blending hearty ground beef with creamy pasta. Cheese-lovers will savor each rich, layered bite of this satisfying midwestern-inspired dish you can’t wait to devour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 egg

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1.5 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 0.25 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for preparing the layered comfort dish.
2. Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, milk, and seasonings in a mixing bowl, ensuring thorough incorporation of all flavor elements.
3. Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing firmly to create an uniform base layer.
4. Roast the meat foundation for 20-25 minutes until approximately three-quarters cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package guidelines, then drain thoroughly.
6. Create a creamy cheese sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour to develop a smooth roux base.
7. Gradually pour milk into the roux, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and becomes velvety.
8. Incorporate mustard powder, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and uniform.
9. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, coating each pasta piece evenly.
10. Spread the cheesy macaroni mixture over the partially cooked meat layer, creating a complete casserole.
11. Optional: Dust the surface with breadcrumbs for an additional crispy texture.
12. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden and cheese bubbles slightly.
13. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving, which helps stabilize the layers and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

• Customize the meat mixture by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Add extra depth to the mac and cheese sauce by incorporating a splash of white wine or a pinch of nutmeg during the cheese-melting process.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and replacing wheat flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when making the roux.
• Boost vegetable intake by mixing finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini into the meatloaf layer for added nutrition and moisture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 481 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 541 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 103 mg