Ohhh wow — now that’s comfort food turned up to 11! 😋
A Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines creamy macaroni and cheese baked on top of juicy meatloaf — like the best of two dinners in one.
Here’s a version that’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
🧀 Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Ingredients
For the meatloaf layer:
- 1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (or mix beef & pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (or ½ tsp onion powder)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the mac and cheese layer:
- 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni (about 2 cups dry)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ tsp paprika or dry mustard for extra flavor
Optional topping:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella
- A sprinkle of parsley or breadcrumbs for garnish
🍽️ Instructions
1. Preheat oven
- To 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the meatloaf layer
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let sit 2–3 minutes.
- Add ground beef, egg, onion, garlic powder, ketchup, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Press mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3. Bake the meatloaf base
- Bake 25 minutes, then carefully drain any excess grease.
- While it bakes, make the mac and cheese.
4. Make the mac and cheese
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk, stirring until thickened (3–5 minutes).
- Stir in cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika.
- Combine cheese sauce with cooked pasta.
5. Assemble the casserole
- Spoon the mac and cheese evenly over the partially baked meatloaf.
- Top with extra shredded cheese.
6. Bake again
- Return to oven for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
7. Serve
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing — helps layers hold together.
- Sprinkle with parsley or breadcrumbs if desired.
💡 Tips
- Add cooked bacon or crumbled sausage between the layers for a smoky flavor.
- For a zesty twist, mix BBQ sauce into the meatloaf instead of ketchup.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully — try crisping a slice in a skillet for lunch the next day!
Would you like me to give you a “one-pan” version (all baked together from start to finish, no boiling pasta first)?
