The Ultimate Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Comfort

Crafting a delightful mac and cheese meatloaf casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Layers of creamy pasta and seasoned ground beef create a mouthwatering combination that satisfies deep hunger.

Cheesy goodness melts into every savory bite, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Home cooks love how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with just a few clever techniques.

Mixing classic favorites sparks joy around the dinner table, inviting everyone to dig in and connect.

No complicated steps stand between you and this crowd-pleasing dish that combines two beloved comfort classics.

Let’s uncover the secret to making this irresistible casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Pro Tips For Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika to the ground beef mixture for extra depth and richness.
• Use a meat blend with slightly higher fat content (80/20 ground beef) to keep the meatloaf moist and tender during baking.
• Grate cheese directly from a block instead of using pre-shredded varieties, which can contain anti-caking agents that affect sauce texture.
• Opt for low-sodium ketchup and reduce added salt if using salty cheeses to manage the overall dish's saltiness.
• Sprinkle extra shredded cheese or breadcrumbs on top during the final baking stage for a golden, crunchy surface.

Creative Twists For Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese Meatloaf: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use gluten-free flour for the roux and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentil mixture. Use vegetable broth instead of meat juices for added flavor and moisture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace macaroni with riced cauliflower or cauliflower mac and cheese. Use almond flour instead of regular flour for the cheese sauce to reduce carbohydrate content.

Serving Ideas For Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Family Dinner Champion: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy flavors and add a fresh contrast to the meal.
• Comfort Food Companions: Pair with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots to introduce a subtle sweetness and nutritional boost alongside the cheesy meatloaf.
• Weekend Crowd Pleaser: Accompany with tangy pickles or a zesty coleslaw to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing side that complements the main dish's robust taste.
• Leftovers Transformation: Slice cold portions and create delicious sandwiches between crusty bread with a touch of extra mustard for a next-day lunch treat.

How To Keep Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Wrap securely to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Check internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a splash of milk to maintain moisture and prevent cheese from becoming rubbery.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for beef, which provides a leaner option while maintaining similar flavor and texture.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids typically love mac and cheese and meatloaf, making this casserole a perfect family meal that combines two comfort food favorites.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the meat mixture to increase nutritional value without compromising taste.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

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

Mac And Cheese Meets Meatloaf In This Casserole

• Elevate Family Dinner: Combine two classic comfort foods into one mouthwatering dish that brings everyone together around the table.
• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Meal: This recipe transforms traditional meatloaf and mac and cheese into a single, hearty casserole that satisfies different taste preferences and ages.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Streamline meal preparation by baking two components simultaneously, reducing overall cooking time and kitchen cleanup while delivering maximum flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like cheese varieties, add extra spices, or include vegetable mix-ins to personalize this versatile one-pan wonder according to family preferences.

Ingredients For Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of the meatloaf.
• Onion: Adds savory flavor and moisture to the meat mixture.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat and create a tender texture.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the meatloaf together.

• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Provides depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the meatloaf.

• Butter: Creates a rich base for the cheese sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Milk: Forms the liquid base for the creamy cheese sauce.
• Mustard Powder: Adds a subtle tangy flavor to the cheese sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a classic, sharp cheese flavor and creamy texture.
• Macaroni: The classic pasta that makes up the mac and cheese layer.

How To Cook Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and get ready for some comfort food magic.

Step 2: Mix Meaty Magic

• Ground beef
• Diced onion
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Squish and mix everything until well blended.

Step 3: Create Meatloaf Foundation

Press the meaty mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer.

Step 4: Initial Meatloaf Bake

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the meat is partially cooked.

Step 5: Craft Cheesy Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk to create a smooth roux, cooking for one minute.

Step 6: Build Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously.

• Mustard powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir until the sauce becomes silky smooth.

Step 7: Cheese It Up

Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and luxuriously creamy.

Step 8: Mac and Cheese Merge

Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, coating every noodle with cheesy goodness.

Step 9: Layer The Casserole

Pull the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven and spread the mac and cheese across the top.

Step 10: Final Bake

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly.

Step 11: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes, then dig into this ultimate comfort food feast.

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mac and cheese meatloaf casserole combines classic comfort dishes into one hearty meal. Cheese lovers will appreciate this rich, savory creation that brings together two beloved favorites in a single satisfying dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 egg

Grains and Binding:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
• 2 cups (226 grams) cooked macaroni

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder

Sauce Components:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) milk

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Combine ground beef with diced onions, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, blending thoroughly until well incorporated.
3. Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared dish, creating an even, compact layer that fills the entire bottom surface.
4. Roast the meatloaf base for 20-25 minutes until it begins to set and releases initial juices.
5. Meanwhile, craft the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour to develop a smooth roux for approximately one minute.
6. Stream milk into the roux gradually, whisking continuously to prevent lumps, then incorporate mustard powder, salt, and pepper for enhanced flavor.
7. Gradually fold shredded cheddar into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
8. Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated.
9. Extract the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven and lavishly spread the mac and cheese mixture across the entire surface.
10. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the layers to set before serving.

Notes

• Customize the meat mixture by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere to add depth and complexity to the mac and cheese sauce.
• Enhance the meatloaf’s flavor by adding finely chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to the meat mixture for an extra aromatic touch.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 505 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg