Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food combination with this incredible Mac and Cheese Meatloaf recipe. We’re taking two beloved classics—a juicy, flavorful meatloaf and creamy, cheesy macaroni—and bringing them together into one show-stopping dish. It’s a dinner that satisfies every craving and is guaranteed to have the whole family asking for seconds.
This isn’t just any meatloaf; it’s a tender, savory loaf with a surprise river of gooey mac and cheese running through the center. Topped with a classic sweet and tangy glaze, every slice is a perfect bite of savory, cheesy goodness. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe
If you’re looking for a new dinner champion, this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf is it. Here’s why it’s destined to become a favorite in your home.
- The Best of Both Worlds: It perfectly combines the savory, hearty satisfaction of meatloaf with the creamy, cheesy delight of macaroni and cheese.
- A Surprise Center: Slicing into the meatloaf reveals a molten, cheesy pasta center that makes every serving an event.
- Simple, Hearty Ingredients: Made with accessible ingredients, this recipe creates a gourmet-level comfort food experience without any fuss.
- Family-Approved: This dish is a certified crowd-pleaser, loved by both kids and adults alike.
The Key Ingredients for Success
To create the perfect Mac and Cheese Meatloaf, we’ll build it in two parts: the savory meatloaf exterior and the creamy mac and cheese filling. Using quality ingredients for both is the key to an unforgettable meal.
For the Savory Meatloaf
The foundation of this dish is a moist, well-seasoned meatloaf. We use a combination of lean ground beef for flavor and panko breadcrumbs for a tender texture that isn’t dense or tough.
- Lean Ground Beef: 85/15 is a great choice. It has enough fat to keep the meatloaf juicy but not greasy.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs absorb moisture and keep the meatloaf light and tender.
- Milk: Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk is a classic trick for a super moist meatloaf.
- Eggs: Act as a binder to hold everything together beautifully.
- Worcestershire Sauce & Ketchup: Provide a deep, savory, and slightly tangy flavor base.
- Seasonings: Diced onion, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper create the classic, aromatic meatloaf flavor.
For the Creamy Mac and Cheese Filling
The secret to this recipe is a rich, sturdy mac and cheese that holds its shape when baked inside the meatloaf. A classic béchamel sauce with sharp cheddar is the way to go.
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape for mac and cheese.
- Butter & Flour: The roux that forms the base of our creamy cheese sauce.
- Milk: Creates a smooth, luscious sauce.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides that bold, tangy cheese flavor that stands up to the savory meatloaf. Shred your own for the best melt!
How to Make The Best Mac and Cheese Meatloaf (Step-by-Step)
Making this incredible Mac and Cheese Meatloaf is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps for a dinner that will amaze everyone at the table.
Step 1: Prepare the Mac and Cheese
First, cook your elbow macaroni according to the package directions until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, start the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in the flour, and cook for a minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Remove it from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and glossy. Finally, fold in the cooked macaroni and set it aside.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and milk, letting them soak for a few minutes. This simple step is key to a moist meatloaf. Next, add the ground beef, beaten eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and seasonings. Mix everything gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
Step 3: Assemble the Loaf
Press half of the meatloaf mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9×5 inch loaf pan, creating a well in the center. Spoon the prepared mac and cheese evenly into this well. Top the mac and cheese with the remaining meatloaf mixture, pressing down gently and sealing the edges to completely encase the filling.
Step 4: Create the Glaze and Bake
In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the glaze: ketchup, brown sugar, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 55-65 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 5: Rest and Serve
This is a crucial step! Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender slice that holds its shape. Carefully lift the meatloaf from the pan, slice thickly, and serve immediately.
Pro-Tips for a Perfect Result
Want to ensure your Mac and Cheese Meatloaf is absolutely flawless? Follow these expert tips.
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Mix the meatloaf ingredients until they are just combined. Overworking the ground beef will result in a dense, tough texture.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the creamiest mac and cheese, buy a block of sharp cheddar and shred it yourself.
- Let It Rest: Letting the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking is essential. This allows the juices to settle back into the meat, making it more flavorful and preventing it from falling apart when you slice it.
Fun Recipe Variations to Try
While this recipe is a classic, it’s also a fantastic canvas for creativity. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy mac and cheese filling. You could also try our Calabrian Chili Pasta for more heat inspiration.
- Bacon Weave: For the ultimate indulgence, wrap the entire meatloaf in a bacon weave before baking.
- Different Cheeses: Swap the sharp cheddar for a blend of smoked Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. Our Gourmet Grilled Cheese recipe is a testament to the power of cheese blends!
- BBQ Glaze: Substitute your favorite BBQ sauce for the ketchup-based glaze for a smokier flavor.
What to Serve with Your Meatloaf
Since this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf is already so rich and satisfying, simple side dishes work best. A side of Garlic Butter Green Beans, a fresh green salad, or some honey-roasted carrots would be perfect complements.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This dish makes for fantastic leftovers! Store any remaining meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can place individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or wrap them in foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. The oven method is best for preserving texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can assemble the entire meatloaf, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven straight from the fridge.
Yes, you can! For best results, use a firm, baked-style mac and cheese, as a looser, creamier version might not hold its shape as well. You’ll need about 2 cups of leftover mac and cheese.
There are three keys: don’t overmix the meat, use eggs and breadcrumbs as binders, and most importantly, let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to settle and helps the slices hold together.
For ground beef, the safe internal temperature is 160°F (71°C). Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meatloaf (avoiding the mac and cheese center) to check for doneness.
A sharp cheddar cheese is excellent because its bold flavor stands up to the savory meatloaf. However, you could also use smoked Gouda, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles. We recommend shredding your own cheese for the best melting.
Ready to Cook?
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of comfort food. It’s the perfect dish to bring your family together around the dinner table. If you make it, we’d love to see! Share your creations and tag us on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Recipe
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Fold in the cooked macaroni.
- In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Add the ground beef, beaten eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, 2 tbsp ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Press half of the meatloaf mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared loaf pan, creating a trough or well in the center. Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into the well. Top with the remaining meatloaf mixture, pressing to seal the edges and cover the filling completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the meatloaf registers 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing it, slicing, and serving.
Notes
Tip 2: Resting the meatloaf is crucial! It allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and holds together perfectly.
