Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole mixes two favorite comfort foods into one dish. It has a beef meatloaf base and a creamy mac and cheese top. This dish is warm, cheesy, and easy to share. It goes great with a simple side like a green salad or tomato soup and grilled cheese for a cozy meal.
Why make this recipe
- It is filling and simple.
- Kids and adults like the mix of meat and cheese.
- You can make it ahead and bake later.
How to prepare Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Start by mixing and baking the meatloaf layer. While it bakes, cook the pasta and make the cheese sauce. Then layer the mac and cheese over the meatloaf and bake again until hot and bubbly.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk (for meatloaf)
- 2 tbsp butter (for cheese sauce)
- 2 cups milk (for cheese sauce)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard
- 2 tbsp flour
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well and press into a greased baking dish.
- Bake the meatloaf for 20 minutes.
- While it bakes, cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for one minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk until thickened; season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dry mustard. Stir in shredded cheese until melted.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and pour over the meatloaf layer. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for an additional 25 minutes or until bubbly.
How to serve Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Let it rest 5 minutes after baking so it slices clean.
- Cut into squares and serve warm.
- Add a simple side salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness.
How to store Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Cool to room temperature.
- Cover and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 15–20 minutes.
Tips to make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole perfectly
- Don’t overcook the macaroni — it will cook more in the oven.
- Use sharp cheddar for better flavor.
- Press the meatloaf layer evenly so the mac and cheese sits flat.
- If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil.
Variations (if possible)
- Add cooked bacon pieces to the mac and cheese layer.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or pork.
- Stir in frozen peas or corn for more veggies.
- Use a mix of cheeses, like cheddar and Monterey Jack.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble the dish, cover, and keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Q: Can I use cooked pasta instead of uncooked?
A: Yes. If you use cooked pasta, mix it with the cheese sauce and skip the extra oven time for pasta. You may need a little less milk.
Q: How do I keep the top from getting soggy?
A: Make sure the meatloaf layer is not too wet. Drain the pasta well before mixing with the sauce.
Q: Can I make this gluten free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour, and gluten-free pasta.
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious fusion of meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese, this casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk (for meatloaf)
- 2 tbsp butter (for cheese sauce)
- 2 cups milk (for cheese sauce)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard
- 2 tbsp flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well and press into a greased baking dish.
- Bake the meatloaf for 20 minutes.
- While it bakes, cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for one minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk until thickened; season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dry mustard. Stir in shredded cheese until melted.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and pour over the meatloaf layer. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for an additional 25 minutes or until bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For best results, don’t overcook the macaroni. Use sharp cheddar for better flavor. Allow the casserole to cool before storing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American