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A baked mac and cheese meatloaf casserole in a white dish

Name: Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Summary: This mac and cheese meatloaf casserole brings together two iconic comfort foods in one epic dish. A savory, juicy meatloaf base is topped with ultra-creamy mac and cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly — the perfect family dinner or crowd-pleasing meal!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • For the Meatloaf Layer:
  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef or beef/pork mix
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • For the Mac and Cheese Layer:
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk preferably whole
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella or Monterey Jack optional
  • ½ tsp paprika optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra cheese for topping ½ cup

Equipment

  • Equipment:
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Instructions:
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 baking dish.
  3. Cook pasta according to package instructions, reducing time by 1 minute for al dente texture. Drain and set aside.
  4. Make cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and stir until thickened (3–5 mins). Add cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Mix with cooked pasta.
  5. Make meatloaf mixture: In a large bowl, mix ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings until just combined.
  6. Press meatloaf mixture into the bottom of your baking dish to form a flat, even layer.
  7. Spread mac and cheese over the meat layer, smoothing the top. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese.
  8. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly and internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Notes:
Add-ins like cooked bacon, jalapeños, or spinach can be mixed into the mac layer.
Substitute turkey, chicken, or plant-based meats for a lighter version.
Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a GF-friendly dish.
Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for even better structure.