Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: How to Make It Perfect

What is Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

This mac and cheese meatloaf casserole masterfully combines two beloved comfort foods into one extraordinary dish that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort. The layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and tender pasta create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will become your family’s new favorite dinner, Ready to create this amazing comfort food fusion?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this cheesy meatloaf and macaroni and cheese casserole because it combines two types of comfort foods in one delicious dish. Creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese meets tender, flavorful meatloaf for a satisfying, family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weekdays. It satisfies children and adults alike.

To Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole You’ll Need

For the Meatloaf Layer:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

For the Mac and Cheese Layer:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 cups whole milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Time Needed to Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole You’ll Need

Time Breakdown:

How to Make Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures your mac & cheese meatloaf casserole won’t stick and bakes evenly.

Step 2: Create the Meatloaf Base

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chopped onions for approximately five minutes, or until they are transparent. Cook the minced garlic for a further minute until it becomes aromatic. Using a wooden spoon, break up the ground beef and add it. Cook until it is browned and no longer pink.

Step 3: Season and Bind the Meat

Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the meat cools slightly, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the elbow macaroni as directed on the package until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Craft the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. To get rid of the flavor of raw flour, whisk in the flour and cook for one minute. Add milk gradually while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble Your Masterpiece

Press the meatloaf mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spread the cooked spaghetti equally over the meat layer after combining it with the cheese sauce. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and more cheese on top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Tips for the Best Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Expert Advice for Perfect Results:

Prevent Dryness: Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal moisture. Leaner meat can result in a dry mac & cheese meatloaf casserole.

Cheese Sauce Mastery: Always remove the saucepan from heat before adding cheese to prevent curdling. Add cheese gradually while whisking constantly.

Texture Balance: Cook pasta 1-2 minutes less than package directions since it continues cooking in the oven.

Even Cooking: Press the meatloaf layer firmly and evenly to ensure uniform cooking throughout your mac & cheese meatloaf casserole.

Golden Top: For extra browning, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time.

Make-Ahead Magic: Put the casserole together up to 24 hours in advance, cover it securely, and put it in the refrigerator. Add 10 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.

What to Serve mac and cheese meatloaf casserole

Creative Serving Ideas:

Classic Comfort: Serve your mac & cheese meatloaf casserole with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that satisfies all comfort food cravings.

Southern Style: Pair with cornbread, coleslaw, and green beans for a hearty Southern-inspired dinner.

Steakhouse Vibes: Complement with roasted Brussels sprouts and a wedge salad for an upscale comfort food experience.

Family-Friendly: Serve with steamed broccoli and dinner rolls – kids love the cheesy goodness while parents appreciate the hidden vegetables.

Portion Control: Cut into squares and serve with a light cucumber salad for a balanced meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Leftover Magic: Transform leftovers into breakfast by serving with scrambled eggs and toast.

Similar recipes you’ll want to try

• Brisket Mac and Cheese
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
• Ground Turkey Casserole Recipes
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf recipe
• Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Recipe

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving – 8 servings total):

Macronutrients:

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: How to Make It Perfect

By Nancy

Want a kid-friendly dinner that actually satisfies adults too? This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect pick. Discover more now.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs ground beef 80/20 blend
• 1 large onion finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 cups whole milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• ½ cup cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures your mac & cheese meatloaf casserole won’t stick and bakes evenly.

Step 2: Create the Meatloaf Base

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chopped onions for approximately five minutes, or until they are transparent. Cook the minced garlic for a further minute until it becomes aromatic. Using a wooden spoon, break up the ground beef and add it. Cook until it is browned and no longer pink.

Step 3: Season and Bind the Meat

• Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

• While the meat cools slightly, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the elbow macaroni as directed on the package until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Craft the Cheese Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. To get rid of the flavor of raw flour, whisk in the flour and cook for one minute. Add milk gradually while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble Your Masterpiece

• Press the meatloaf mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spread the cooked spaghetti equally over the meat layer after combining it with the cheese sauce. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and more cheese on top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Notes

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving – 8 servings total):

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 32g (64% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 38g (13% DV)
• Fat: 26g (40% DV)
• Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
• Sugar: 8g

Keyword comfort food, cheesy casserole, ground beef, baked dinner, family meal, potluck, weeknight dinner, holiday leftovers, mac and cheese recipe, Meatloaf Casserole

FAQ About mac and cheese meatloaf casserole