Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe – Ultimate Comfort Food

Introduction

If you’re a fan of comfort food, this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate indulgence. Imagine savory, juicy meatloaf layered with creamy mac and cheese, baked to golden perfection. It’s a family-friendly dish, make-ahead friendly, freezer-safe, and irresistibly cheesy.

Why This Casserole is a Crowd-Pleaser

This casserole combines two classics—meatloaf and mac and cheese—into one hearty, kid-approved meal. It’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

Perfect for Family Dinners and Freezer Meals

The casserole is easy to prepare in advance and freezes beautifully, making it a convenient meal solution for busy families.

Ingredients Overview

Meatloaf Base Components

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef or beef/pork blend
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp ketchup or BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Mac and Cheese Layer Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni or other short pasta
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

• ½ cup extra shredded cheese
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Loaf pan or 9×13” baking dish
• Saucepan
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping and Baking the Meatloaf Base

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your baking dish.
2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Press meat mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes.

Cooking the Pasta

1. Boil pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.

Making the Cheese Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth.
4. Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Assembling the Casserole

1. Combine pasta with cheese sauce and coat evenly.
2. Layer mac and cheese over partially baked meatloaf.
3. Sprinkle extra cheese or breadcrumbs if desired.

Baking to Perfection

1. Return to oven and bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Optional Broil for Crisp Topping

• Broil 2–3 minutes for a golden, crunchy top layer.

Resting

• Let casserole rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips and Tricks

Choosing the Best Cheese

Use freshly shredded cheddar for best meltability and creamy texture.

Adding Spice

Incorporate chopped jalapeños or pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Gluten-Free Options

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.

Mini Portion Ideas

Bake in muffin tins for individual servings, perfect for meal prep.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.
• Freeze completely cooled casserole wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in oven at 350°F until warmed through, maintaining creaminess and texture.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 520 kcal per serving
• High in protein and comforting fats for a hearty meal.

Variations

Meat Choices

• Mix ground beef and pork, or use turkey for a leaner version.

Pasta Alternatives

• Use cavatappi, rotini, or penne for a different texture.

Sauce Modifications

• Add a pinch of mustard or hot sauce for depth.

Common Mistakes

• Overmixing Meatloaf: Can make it dense. Mix gently.
• Undercooked Pasta: Always cook al dente; it will bake further with cheese sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.
• Garnish with parsley or extra cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Conclusion

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food fusion. Easy, make-ahead, and kid-approved, it’s a dish your family will request again and again.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, fontina, Gruyère, or Colby work well for melty layers.

Can this be frozen?

Yes, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a safe alternative.

How do I get a crispy topping?

Sprinkle extra cheese or breadcrumbs and broil 2–3 minutes at the end.

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe – Ultimate Comfort Food

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• Author: By Cora
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings

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Description

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting fusion of savory meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese, baked to golden perfection.

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Ingredients

For Meatloaf Base: 1 ½ lbs ground beef or beef/pork blend 1 cup breadcrumbs 2 large eggs ½ cup finely chopped onion 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp ketchup or BBQ sauce 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper For Mac and Cheese Layer: 8 oz elbow macaroni or other short pasta 2 tbsp unsalted butter 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 2 cups milk 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional) Salt and pepper to taste Topping (Optional): ½ cup extra shredded cheese ¼ cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease baking dish. Mix meatloaf ingredients gently. Press meat into baking dish; bake 20 minutes. Cook pasta al dente; drain. Make cheese sauce: melt butter, whisk flour, add milk, stir in cheese. Combine pasta with cheese sauce. Layer mac and cheese over partially baked meatloaf; add toppings. Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly. Optional: broil 2–3 minutes for crisp topping. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for best meltability. Add jalapeños or pepper jack for spice. Freezes well if cooled completely. Gluten-free: use GF pasta and breadcrumbs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Main Course
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American, Southern Comfort

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 casserole
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: cheesy meatloaf casserole, comfort food casserole, Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, macaroni meatloaf bake, meatloaf mac and cheese casserole