Welcome to the intersection of two of the most beloved comfort foods on the planet. This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is not just a recipe; it’s a hearty, soul-warming experience that brings together a rich, savory meatloaf base and a topping of ultra-creamy, cheesy macaroni. If you’re looking for the perfect family-pleasing dinner that guarantees clean plates and happy smiles, you’ve found it. This dish takes the classic meatloaf and mac and cheese duo and transforms it into a simple, bake-and-serve casserole that will become an instant favorite in your home.
Why This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is an Absolute Must-Try
You’re going to love how this recipe combines two classic dishes into one incredible meal. It’s the perfect solution for a chilly evening, a potluck, or anytime you need a serious comfort food fix.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: It marries the savory, rich flavor of meatloaf with the creamy, cheesy goodness of homemade mac and cheese.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: This casserole is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s a fun and delicious twist on two timeless classics.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal. Prepare it over the weekend for an easy weeknight dinner that just needs to be baked.
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for specialty items. This recipe uses pantry staples to create something truly spectacular.
The Key Ingredients for Success
Crafting the perfect Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole starts with quality ingredients. We’re breaking it down into two main components: the savory meatloaf layer and the luscious mac and cheese topping.
For the Savory Meatloaf Layer
The foundation of this dish is a moist and flavorful meatloaf. The secret is using a combination of ingredients that ensure it stays tender and juicy during baking.
- Lean Ground Beef: We recommend an 85/15 or 90/10 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and texture without being overly greasy.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter than traditional ones and help bind the meatloaf without making it dense.
- Milk: Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk is a key step to creating a tender, moist meatloaf.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, holding everything together.
- Worcestershire Sauce & Ketchup: These provide a deep, savory, and slightly tangy flavor base.
- Onion & Garlic: Finely diced onion and minced garlic provide an aromatic and flavorful foundation.
For the Creamy Mac and Cheese Topping
This isn’t your average mac and cheese. We’re making a quick, creamy cheese sauce from scratch that bakes beautifully over the meatloaf.
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for mac and cheese, its shape perfectly captures the creamy sauce.
- Butter & Flour: These create a simple roux to thicken our cheese sauce.
- Milk & Heavy Cream: A combination of both creates a sauce that is rich and creamy but not too heavy.
- Sharp Cheddar & Gruyere Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides that classic, tangy mac and cheese flavor, while Gruyere adds a wonderful nutty, melty quality. Always shred your own cheese for the smoothest sauce!
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Follow these simple steps to assemble a casserole that’s packed with flavor. We’ll build the meatloaf base first, then whip up the mac and cheese while it bakes.
Part 1: Prepare and Bake the Meatloaf Base
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground beef, soaked panko breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Form the Base: Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- First Bake: Bake the meatloaf layer for 20 minutes. This gives it a head start before we add the topping.
Part 2: Cook the Mac and Cheese
- Boil the Pasta: While the meatloaf is in the oven, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain it well and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheese until completely melted and the sauce is velvety smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
- Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until every noodle is coated.
Part 3: Assemble and Final Bake
- Layer the Casserole: After the meatloaf has baked for 20 minutes, carefully remove it from the oven. Spoon the prepared mac and cheese evenly over the top.
- Add Topping: For a crunchy finish, you can sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese or some breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese layer.
- Bake to Perfection: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbly and lightly golden on top. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve clean slices.
Pro Tips for the Best Casserole Ever
A few simple tricks can elevate your Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole from great to unforgettable.
- Don’t Overmix the Meatloaf: Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overworking the meat will result in a tough, dense texture.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. For the smoothest, creamiest sauce, always buy a block and shred it yourself.
- Cook Pasta to Al Dente: The macaroni will continue to cook in the oven, so boiling it al dente prevents it from becoming mushy in the final dish.
- Let it Rest: This is a crucial step! Letting the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes after baking allows it to set, ensuring you can cut and serve perfect, beautiful slices. If you’re looking for another amazing casserole, check out our Chicken Stuffing Casserole.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to customize it to your liking. For those who enjoy a side with their main course, consider trying this recipe for Air Fryer Baked Potatoes.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or some diced jalapeños to the meatloaf mixture for a spicy kick.
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some finely chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers into the meatloaf mix for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Change the Meat: This casserole works wonderfully with ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and pork. For a delicious pasta dish, try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe.
- Bacon Makes Everything Better: Add some crumbled, cooked bacon to the mac and cheese topping for a smoky, salty crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken are great alternatives. You can also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for extra flavor and tenderness.
The key to a moist meatloaf is to avoid overmixing the meat and using ingredients with enough moisture, like the milk-soaked breadcrumbs. Using ground beef with a little fat (like 85/15) also helps keep it juicy.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
This is a hearty, all-in-one meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli to add a fresh, green element to the plate.
The Perfect Recipe for Your Dinner Rotation
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, soak the Panko breadcrumbs in the milk for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, beaten egg, diced onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- While the meatloaf is baking, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- After the meatloaf layer has baked for 20 minutes, remove it from the oven. Spoon the mac and cheese evenly over the top.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the topping is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't overmix the meatloaf mixture. This is key to ensuring the meatloaf layer is tender and juicy, not tough.
Tip 3: Let the casserole rest before serving. This allows it to set up, making for cleaner slices.
Save This Recipe for Later!
We hope you love this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole as much as we do! It’s a true crowd-pleaser that brings so much warmth and flavor to the dinner table. If you make it, don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your creation on Pinterest!
