I absolutely love how this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup Recipe brings two classic comfort foods together in one hearty, delicious dish. It’s such a satisfying meal that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate — perfect for cozy weeknights or when you want to impress family without stress.
When I first tried combining meatloaf and mac and cheese into a casserole, I was blown away by how well the flavors melded. You’ll find that this recipe hits just the right balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with the savory, seasoned meatloaf underneath. It’s hands down one of my go-to comfort food recipes now, and I can’t wait for you to try it too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-One Comfort: Combines two favorites—meatloaf and mac & cheese—into one easy casserole.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters tend to gobble up.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably have on hand, making prep a breeze.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Easy to prepare ahead and reheat for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is straightforward but packs a flavor punch by using simple ingredients that come together beautifully. When shopping, look for good-quality ground beef and sharp cheddar for the best cheesy flavor.
- Ground Beef: Use lean for less grease but still tender and flavorful meatloaf.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; diced small so it blends nicely.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf and keep it nice and moist.
- Egg: Acts as a natural binder for the meat mixture.
- Milk: Adds moisture both to the meatloaf and cheese sauce portions.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout.
- Macaroni: Classic elbow macaroni works best for the creamy cheese sauce to coat every bite.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully to give rich cheesy flavor.
- Butter: Used to make the cheese sauce silky smooth.
- Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce.
- Paprika and Dry Mustard: Subtle spices that add complexity to the sauce.
Variations
I like to keep this recipe pretty classic, but I’ve experimented with a few tweaks over time depending on what’s in the fridge or what season it is. Feel free to make it your own; you’ll be surprised how forgiving this casserole is.
- Turkey or Chicken Variation: Switching ground beef for ground turkey lightens it up without losing that meaty texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños in the cheese sauce for a bit of heat; my family goes crazy for it!
- Veggie Boost: Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Different Cheeses: Try a blend of sharp cheddar and smoked gouda for a richer profile.
How to Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Bake the Meatloaf Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined but don’t overmix or the meatloaf can become dense. Press this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form your meatloaf base. Bake it for 20 minutes so it firms up—this helps it hold together when we add the mac and cheese layer on top.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni and Make the Cheese Sauce
While the meatloaf is baking, cook your macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente and then drain it well. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to get rid of the raw taste. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until your sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, dry mustard, and about 1½ cups of your shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Finally, fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every bite is coated in cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Pour your cheesy macaroni mixture evenly over the partially baked meatloaf layer. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust. Pop the casserole back into the oven for around 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and everything is heated through.
Pro Tips for Making Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Mixing just until combined keeps your meatloaf tender and juicy.
- Cheese Sauce Texture: Whisk constantly when adding milk to avoid lumps and get a smooth sauce.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the casserole sit 5-10 minutes before serving so it sets up nicely and slices cleanly.
- Use Sharp Cheddar: I learned that sharper cheese really boosts flavor, so don’t skimp here!
How to Serve Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving—it adds a pop of color and a little freshness that cuts through the richness nicely. Sometimes, I even add a few crispy fried onions for some crunch.
Side Dishes
This casserole is pretty hearty on its own, but I often serve it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve baked smaller portions in individual ramekins to make cute personal casseroles. It’s a fun way to serve guests and makes it easier to reheat just what you need later on.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge and they usually keep well for 3-4 days. The flavors only get better after a day, so sometimes I purposely make it a day ahead to let it meld.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully too. After it’s cooled, I portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap foil pans tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, I cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm it in the oven at 325°F until heated through—this keeps the cheese gooey without drying out the meatloaf. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven method is worth the wait!
FAQs
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the cheese sauce. Just check that your mac and cheese ingredients are gluten-free too.
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Can I use other types of pasta for the mac and cheese layer?
Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne also work great and hold the cheese sauce well, so feel free to use what you have on hand.
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How do I know when the meatloaf layer is fully cooked?
The meatloaf layer is partially baked before adding the mac and cheese. It’s fully cooked after the casserole bakes the second time. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safety.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Then bake it fully when you’re ready to serve. It’s a great recipe for meal prepping or entertaining.
Final Thoughts
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup Recipe has become a staple in my home because it’s comforting, satisfying, and genuinely delicious. I love how easy it is to pull together and how it never fails to bring smiles to the dinner table. I highly recommend you give it a try—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation for those cozy nights when nothing but a warm, cheesy, meaty meal will do.
Print
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup that combines hearty meatloaf with creamy macaroni and cheese. Baked in one dish, it’s a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup Onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg
- 1/4 cup Milk
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
Macaroni
- 2 cups Macaroni, uncooked
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Dry Mustard
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded (divided: 1 1/2 cups for sauce, 1/2 cup for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the meatloaf and casserole.
- Prepare Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake Meatloaf: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the meatloaf base for 20 minutes to start cooking the meat.
- Cook Macaroni: While the meatloaf is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the cooked macaroni and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp dry mustard. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine: Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Pour this cheesy macaroni mixture over the partially baked meatloaf in the baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake Again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the meatloaf is fully cooked through.
Notes
- This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines two classic comfort foods into one hearty dish, perfect for family dinners.
- Make sure to partially bake the meatloaf before adding the macaroni and cheese to ensure even cooking.
- You can customize the cheese with your favorite types or add some cooked veggies for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers reheat well and make great next-day meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
