The Coziest Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe Ever

Crafting a hearty mac and cheese meatloaf casserole brings pure culinary comfort to dinner tables everywhere.

comfort meets creativity in this delightful dish that merges two classic favorites into one mouthwatering meal.

Layers of cheesy pasta and savory ground meat create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Nostalgic yet innovative, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to dig into this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Hearty and satisfying, each forkful promises a warm embrace of deliciousness that feels like a culinary hug.

Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that’s sure to become your new go-to dinner sensation.

What Makes Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole So Good

• Meatloaf meets mac and cheese in one epic dish that transforms ordinary dinner into a crowd-pleasing feast.
• Super simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen make this recipe incredibly accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Kids and adults will absolutely love this hearty, cheesy casserole that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
• Swap out cheeses, add extra seasonings, or include vegetables to make this recipe perfectly tailored to your family's taste preferences.

Ingredients for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that forms the hearty foundation of the meatloaf.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat mixture and adds texture to the meatloaf.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the meatloaf ingredients together.

• Onion, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth of flavor and aromatic complexity to the meat mixture.
• Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall seasoning of the meatloaf.
• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: Adds moisture and tangy flavor to the meat base.

• Milk: Helps create a tender meatloaf and forms the base of the cheese sauce.
• Butter: Creates a rich base for the cheese sauce.
• Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce and provides a smooth consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella, Parmesan Cheese: Provides creamy, melty layers of cheesy goodness throughout the casserole.

• Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta that creates the mac and cheese component of the dish.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy, golden top layer to the casserole.

How to Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Meatloaf Base

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Egg
• Chopped onion
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce

Mix everything thoroughly until well blended.

Shape the mixture into a loaf and press it into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt.

Bring to a boil and cook elbow macaroni until it reaches al dente texture.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes.

Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.

• Cheddar
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and mix well.

Spread this cheesy pasta mixture evenly on top of the meatloaf in the baking dish.

Step 6: Add the Crispy Topping

Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs over the casserole for a crunchy, golden finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Look for a golden, bubbly top.

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Handy Tips for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of beef bouillon to intensify the savory notes in your meatloaf base.
• Mix in a bit of milk or grated onion to keep the meat mixture moist and tender during baking.
• Grate cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded to ensure a smoother, more creamy sauce that melts beautifully.
• Toast breadcrumbs briefly in a pan before sprinkling on top for extra crunch and a golden-brown finish.
• Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use cornstarch instead of flour in the cheese sauce to make the dish celiac-friendly.

Storing and Reheating Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil during last 5 minutes for crispy top.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed.

Great Pairings for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole, cutting through its creamy cheese and enhancing the overall depth.
• Serve with Crisp Salad Companion: Create a tangy green salad with mixed lettuces, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the heavy, comforting casserole and add refreshing contrast.
• Enhance with Pickled Side: Add quick pickled vegetables like cucumber or red onions to introduce a bright, acidic element that helps cut through the dish's richness and provides a palate-cleansing effect.
• Complement with Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale to match the casserole's robust flavors, with the beer's carbonation and bitterness helping to cleanse the palate between bites.

Recipe Ideas Using Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Gluten-Free Comfort Craver: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Lean Protein Power Meal: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat version. Choose lean meat cuts to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining protein levels.
• Vegetarian Cheesy Delight: Replace ground meat with plant-based ground meat alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or vegetarian crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of milk and select vegetarian cheese options.
• Low-Carb Champion: Swap traditional pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and reduce overall carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy, comforting essence of the original recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the combination of mac and cheese with meatloaf, making it a perfect family meal that both children and adults will enjoy.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground meat, whole wheat breadcrumbs, low-fat milk, and add some grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots to the meatloaf mixture for extra nutrition.

• Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary creativity in this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, blending classic American flavors into one irresistible dish. Cheesy, hearty layers promise a satisfying meal that connects generations through pure, nostalgic deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (for topping)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• Salt and pepper to taste

Base and Thickeners:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix ingredients until well incorporated, then shape into a compact meatloaf and press evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3. Fill a pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until perfectly al dente, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
4. Create the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
5. Reduce heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until completely melted and integrated. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
6. Pour cheese sauce over cooked macaroni, stirring to ensure even coating. Spread the cheesy macaroni mixture uniformly across the prepared meatloaf base.
7. Generously sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs over the top for a crispy, golden finish.
8. Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and cheese becomes bubbly. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help set and enhance flavors.

Notes

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like smoked gouda or sharp white cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
• Consider adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the meatloaf mixture for extra nutrition and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg