Name: Irresistible Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Meatloaf Base:; 1.5 lbs ground beef; 3/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1/4 cup milk; 1/2 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; For the Mac and Cheese Topping:; 8 oz elbow macaroni or small shells; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon paprika or mustard powder (optional)

Description

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food combo. A savory, juicy meatloaf base is topped with creamy, cheesy macaroni and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s hearty, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Base:
1.5 lbs ground beef
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Mac and Cheese Topping:
8 oz elbow macaroni or small shells
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika or mustard powder (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine all meatloaf base ingredients and mix until just combined. Press mixture evenly into the baking dish.
Bake meatloaf base for 20–25 minutes while preparing the mac and cheese.
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in milk and cook, stirring, until thickened.
Stir in shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and optional paprika or mustard powder. Mix until smooth.
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
Spoon mac and cheese over the baked meatloaf layer and spread evenly.
Return to oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use boxed mac and cheese for a faster version.
Add jalapeños, BBQ sauce, or pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
Can be assembled ahead and baked later—cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Substitute ground turkey and gluten-free pasta for a lighter, gluten-free option.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 560
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 110mg