Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish combining classic meatloaf with creamy macaroni and cheese. Ground beef is mixed with traditional meatloaf seasonings and baked, then topped with cheesy macaroni and baked again until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a family dinner that satisfies both meat lovers and pasta fans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk (for meatloaf)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Pasta
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard
Topping
- Remaining shredded cheddar cheese for topping (about 1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the meatloaf and casserole layers evenly.
- Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form and Bake Meatloaf: Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into a greased baking dish to form a layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to partially cook the meatloaf.
- Cook Macaroni: While the meatloaf bakes, cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for one minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dry mustard. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is coated evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture over the partially baked meatloaf layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake Casserole: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese topping is melted and lightly browned.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic or chopped bell peppers to the meatloaf mixture.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy taste.
- If you prefer a thicker cheese sauce, reduce the milk slightly or add more cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Keywords: mac and cheese, meatloaf casserole, comfort food, baked casserole, cheesy pasta, ground beef recipe
