Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that packs the ultimate comfort food punch, Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the answer to your cravings! This glorious mashup layers a juicy, flavorful meatloaf base with creamy, cheesy macaroni, then bakes it all together for a weeknight dinner that’s as nostalgic as it is irresistible. It’s hearty and satisfying, with melty cheese and savory beef in every bite—the kind of meal that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you need a family-friendly dinner or want to impress at a potluck, this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is bound to become a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with pantry staples and a few fresh touches. Each ingredient plays its part: building flavor, adding texture, and making sure every slice of casserole is absolutely delicious.
- Ground beef (1 lb): The foundation of your meatloaf layer, bringing rich, meaty flavor and heartiness.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup): These help bind the meatloaf while keeping it tender and moist.
- Egg (1): Acts as a binder, holding the meatloaf together for perfect slices.
- Milk (¼ cup for meatloaf, 2 cups for cheese sauce): Softens the meat mixture and creates a creamy cheese sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds a savory, umami punch that wakes up the flavors.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Gives subtle sweetness and depth without chopping onions.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses mellow garlic flavor throughout the meatloaf.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Simple seasonings to balance and enhance every layer.
- Elbow macaroni (2 cups): The classic base for creamy mac and cheese—any small pasta shape works here.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Essential for a rich, silky roux that starts your cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce so it clings to every noodle.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): The star of the cheese sauce, bringing gooey, tangy goodness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds depth and a salty, nutty finish to the sauce.
- Mustard powder (½ teaspoon, optional): A secret weapon for brightening the cheese flavor—try it if you have it!
- Chopped parsley or green onions (optional): Fresh, colorful garnish to finish it all off with a flourish.
How to Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of nonstick spray or a quick rub with butter. This step ensures easy serving and keeps all those lovely layers from sticking later on.
Step 2: Mix and Shape the Meatloaf Layer
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ¼ cup milk, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently—just until combined. Over-mixing can make the meatloaf tough, so a light hand is key. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, forming a solid, even layer. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. This gives the meatloaf time to set while you prep the mac and cheese.
Step 3: Cook the Elbow Macaroni
While the meatloaf bakes, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your elbow macaroni according to package directions. You want it just al dente, since it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside—you’re one step closer to cheesy goodness!
Step 4: Whip Up the Homemade Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about a minute to create a smooth roux—this is the key for a lump-free sauce. Gradually pour in the 2 cups of milk, whisking the whole time. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheddar, Parmesan, and mustard powder (if using). Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and dreamy.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
When the meatloaf layer is ready, carefully drain off any excess grease from the baking dish. Combine your cooked macaroni and cheese sauce, then spoon this glorious mixture evenly over the meatloaf. Smooth out the top, then return the casserole to the oven. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the top is bubbly and lightly golden. This is where the magic happens—the flavors meld and the cheese gets irresistibly gooey.
Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Let your Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps everything set up beautifully for neat servings. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions if you like a pop of color. Now, dig in and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
How to Serve Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or green onions are lovely on top of your Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, adding a burst of color and a hint of freshness. If you’re feeling extra, a sprinkle of paprika or a handful of crispy fried onions can take things over the top for both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This casserole can easily be the star of the show, but a simple green salad or steamed broccoli makes a perfect companion. Roasted veggies, garlic bread, or even sautéed green beans round out the meal and add a little crunch or freshness to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try scooping the casserole into individual ramekins or mini loaf pans—everyone gets their own personal serving! Or, cut the casserole into squares and stack them high on a platter for a dramatic, family-style presentation. Either way, this dish always impresses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It makes a fantastic lunch the next day!
Freezing
If you want to freeze the casserole, let it cool completely first. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave does the trick. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry to bring back that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter take on Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. You could even try a blend of beef and pork for extra flavor.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatloaf and swap the flour for a gluten-free blend in the cheese sauce. Also, choose a gluten-free pasta and you’re all set for a celiac-friendly feast.
What cheeses can I use besides cheddar?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix things up with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a bit of smoked gouda for a twist. Just aim for a good melting cheese for the creamiest sauce.
Can I assemble Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep the whole casserole, cover it, and refrigerate a day in advance. When ready to bake, add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s hot and bubbly throughout.
Is it possible to add veggies?
Of course! Stir in cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or finely diced bell peppers to the meatloaf or mac and cheese layers. Just make sure any added veggies are cooked and well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the way Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines the best of two comfort food classics. It’s cozy, cheesy, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your table. Give it a try—you might just discover your new signature dinner!
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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines the hearty flavors of a traditional meatloaf with creamy, cheesy macaroni, creating a comforting and satisfying all-in-one dish that’s perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Layer
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Mac and Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Meatloaf: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ¼ cup milk, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form a meatloaf layer. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Cook Pasta: While the meatloaf bakes, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the 2 cups of milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mustard powder (if using) until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Add Mac and Cheese to Meatloaf: Remove the meatloaf layer from the oven and carefully drain any excess grease. Spoon the mac and cheese mixture evenly over the meatloaf layer.
- Final Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version of this casserole.
- For extra crunch and texture, sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the mac and cheese layer before the final bake.
- Ensure not to overmix the meatloaf ingredients to keep it tender.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
