🍲 Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Introduction
This casserole combines savory meatloaf, creamy mac and cheese, and a golden cheesy topping. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want ultimate comfort food.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet or pot
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
📝 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Meatloaf Layer
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Mac and Cheese Layer
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella
- Optional: ¼ cup breadcrumbs for crunchy topping
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Meatloaf: Use lean or regular ground beef; turkey works too.
- Mac and Cheese: Homemade sauce is best, but boxed mac can be substituted.
- Topping: Adds golden crunch—optional but highly recommended.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease baking dish.
- Prepare Meatloaf Layer
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, and seasonings.
- Press mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Make Mac and Cheese
- In a pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Add shredded cheddar, salt, and pepper; stir until melted.
- Toss in cooked macaroni.
- Assemble Casserole
- Spread mac and cheese over meatloaf layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese and optional breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake
- Bake 25–30 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 36 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
💡 Tips
- Slightly undercook meatloaf before topping to ensure even baking.
- Use sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
- Add cooked bacon or sautéed veggies for variety.
🔄 Variations
- Buffalo Mac & Cheese Meatloaf: Mix hot sauce into mac layer.
- Italian Style: Add marinara sauce between meatloaf and mac.
- Cheesy Veggie Boost: Stir broccoli or spinach into mac layer.
- Spicy: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Side salad or coleslaw
- Garlic bread or rolls
- Roasted vegetables
