Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal combining savory meatloaf with creamy macaroni and cheese. Ground beef meatloaf is baked as a base, topped with a rich homemade cheese sauce mixed with macaroni, and finished with a golden, bubbly cheese layer. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole blends classic flavors with ease for a satisfying dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Macaroni
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf and casserole.
- Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined and then press the mixture evenly into a greased baking dish to form the meatloaf base.
- Bake Meatloaf: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the meatloaf for 20 minutes to partially cook it and allow it to set.
- Cook Macaroni: While the meatloaf bakes, cook the macaroni in boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain the macaroni well and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about one minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens. Then season the sauce with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard. Stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the partially baked meatloaf in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top, and the casserole is heated through.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meatloaf option.
- For a stronger cheese flavor, use sharp cheddar or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking to make serving easier.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf; panko can be used for a lighter texture.
- Use whole milk or 2% milk for a creamier cheese sauce.
Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Meatloaf Casserole, Comfort Food, Baked Casserole, Cheesy Meatloaf
