If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food recipe, Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish that blends two American classics into one mouthwatering experience. This recipe combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the savory, juicy flavors of meatloaf, creating a dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. Keep reading to learn how to prepare this indulgent dish from scratch, including all the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and presentation ideas!
What is Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole?
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a hybrid dish that combines two comfort food staples—macaroni and cheese and meatloaf. Imagine layers of rich, homemade macaroni and cheese sitting atop a flavorful meatloaf base, all baked together to perfection. This dish is the best of both worlds: a tender, savory meatloaf packed with bold seasonings, covered by a cheesy, creamy pasta layer that melts in your mouth.
Whether you're serving it for a weeknight dinner, a weekend family gathering, or a potluck, this casserole is a surefire way to please any crowd. Plus, it’s easy to make in large portions, so you'll have plenty of leftovers—if there are any!
Ingredients List for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
To make this dish, you will need ingredients for both the meatloaf layer and the mac and cheese layer. Let's start with the basics for each part.
Meatloaf Layer Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Mac and Cheese Layer Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole! Here are a few substitutions and variations to suit your dietary needs and preferences:
- Meat Substitutes:
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef.
- You can even go vegetarian by swapping out the meatloaf with a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Cheese Choices:
- While cheddar is a classic choice for mac and cheese, you can mix it up with gouda, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little kick!
- If you prefer a tangy flavor, add a little cream cheese or goat cheese to the mac and cheese sauce.
- Breadcrumb Alternatives:
- For gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
- Add Veggies:
- You can sneak in some veggies like shredded carrots, zucchini, or spinach into the meatloaf for extra nutrients.
- Add broccoli or peas to the mac and cheese layer for a pop of color and flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here is the breakdown of how to assemble and bake this delicious Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish or baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Layer
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, but don’t overwork the meat mixture to prevent a tough texture.
Once combined, press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared casserole dish, creating a solid meatloaf base.
Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf
Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake the meatloaf layer for 20-25 minutes. This will give it a head start before you add the mac and cheese layer.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the meatloaf is baking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to make a roux, cooking for about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue to stir until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Once the sauce is thick, remove it from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 6: Combine Pasta with Cheese Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently until all the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 7: Assemble the Casserole
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully layer the mac and cheese on top of the meatloaf. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or additional cheddar on top for extra cheesiness.
Step 8: Bake Again
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
How to Cook Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat oven and grease your baking dish.
- Mix and form meatloaf layer in the dish.
- Bake meatloaf partially.
- Cook pasta and prepare cheese sauce.
- Layer pasta and sauce over baked meatloaf.
- Final bake until golden and bubbly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Meatloaf: Overmixing the meat can result in a dense and tough meatloaf. Be gentle when combining ingredients.
- Undercooking the Meatloaf: Make sure the meatloaf layer is cooked thoroughly before adding the mac and cheese layer to avoid a raw center.
- Overcooking the Pasta: The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so undercook it slightly to avoid mushy mac and cheese.
- Not Thickening the Cheese Sauce: Make sure your cheese sauce thickens enough on the stove before adding it to the pasta. A runny sauce can make your casserole watery.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When serving Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, think about portion control and aesthetics to make it look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole:
- Cut the casserole into squares or slices for neat serving portions.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli to balance the richness of the dish.
- A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette will also provide a refreshing contrast.
Presentation Ideas for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole:
- Garnish the top with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Serve each portion in individual ramekins for a more personalized touch, especially for dinner parties.
- Drizzle a little extra cheese sauce or ketchup on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: If you love a crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle it over the mac and cheese layer before the final bake.
- Double the Recipe: This casserole is perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Double the recipe and freeze one for later!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole?
A: Yes! You can freeze the fully assembled, unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use shells, penne, or any other short pasta that holds sauce well.
Conclusion
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create a delicious and comforting meal that’s sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and get cooking! Don't forget to save this recipe for your next comfort food craving!
PrintMac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole recipe is a hearty, comforting dish combining two family favorites—meatloaf and mac and cheese. The cheesy, creamy macaroni tops a tender, flavorful meatloaf base, making it a perfect dinner for any night. Featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, and a delicious sauce, this casserole is easy to prepare and will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Elbow macaroni
- Cheddar cheese
- Milk
- Butter
- Flour
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Press the meatloaf mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.
- While the meatloaf bakes, cook the elbow macaroni until al dente.
- Make a cheese sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, and gradually adding milk. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Drain the macaroni and combine with the cheese sauce.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven, top with the mac and cheese, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like peas or broccoli to the mac and cheese for extra nutrition.
- For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or extra cheese on top before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
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