Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole – Where Creamy Meets Hearty in the Most Delicious Way!
If you’ve ever debated between meatloaf and mac & cheese for dinner… this recipe says: why not both? This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole brings two classic comfort foods together into one creamy, cheesy, beefy masterpiece that’s guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your dinner table.
It’s cozy, it’s filling, and it’s kid-approved. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying as leftovers the next day (trust me, it’s even better).
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3 cups cooked macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional, but adds flavor!)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish, forming a meatloaf base.
- Bake the meatloaf layer for 25–30 minutes or until fully cooked. Carefully drain excess grease.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly add milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in cheddar cheese and mustard. Mix until cheese melts and sauce is creamy. Fold in cooked macaroni.
- Pour mac and cheese over the cooked meatloaf layer. Spread evenly. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired.
- Bake uncovered for another 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 5 minutes. Slice and serve warm with a sprinkle of parsley.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Calories | 600 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbs | 30 g |
| Fat | 38 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Quick Recipe Card
| Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 6–8 |
| Texture | Creamy, juicy, cheesy |
FAQs
Q: Can I use boxed mac and cheese?
Absolutely. If you’re in a rush, boxed mac works fine—just make sure it’s nice and creamy.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Let it cool completely, slice it, and freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Q: Any meat substitutes?
Ground turkey or chicken also works well—add a bit more seasoning to boost flavor.
Q: Can I add veggies?
Totally! Try stirring in cooked peas or broccoli into the mac for extra goodness.
Dinner doesn’t get more comforting than this combo—it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast from the table.
