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