Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

If you love comfort food, then this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is about to become your new best friend. Imagine a rich, cheesy mac and cheese baked on top of a savory, hearty meatloaf base, then all of it melded together into one irresistible casserole. It’s the ultimate mash-up of two classic comfort dishes, and it’s here to satisfy all of your cravings! Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or even as a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this casserole will have everyone asking for the recipe. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Let’s be real: who doesn’t love a cheesy, gooey mac and cheese? Add in a flavorful, juicy meatloaf base, and you’ve got yourself the kind of meal that dreams are made of. Here’s why this casserole is a winner:

Comfort Food at Its Finest

If comfort food is what you’re after, look no further. The cheesy, creamy mac and cheese and savory, tender meatloaf combine into one bite of pure bliss.

All-in-One Dish

This casserole takes the best of both worlds—mac and cheese and meatloaf—and combines them into one convenient dish. No need to make two separate meals; it’s all baked together in one pan for a stress-free meal.

Versatile

Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a casual gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is flexible and can serve just about any occasion.

Budget-Friendly

It uses simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. You won’t have to break the bank to enjoy this indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this casserole—it combines two classic dishes into one and uses simple ingredients that are easy to find! Let’s break it down:

For the Meatloaf:

• Ground Beef: The rich and hearty base of our meatloaf. You’ll want a little fat in there to keep things juicy!
• Bread Crumbs: To give the meatloaf that tender texture and help it hold together.
• Egg: This acts as a binder to keep the meatloaf nice and firm.
• Onion: A chopped onion adds sweetness and a subtle savory depth to the meatloaf.
• Garlic: For that little punch of flavor that we can’t live without.
• Milk: Keeps the meatloaf moist and adds to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: For a rich, savory note that brings the whole dish together.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that help to enhance the flavors of the meat.

For the Mac and Cheese:

• Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for mac and cheese! They hold onto the cheesy sauce just right.
• Cheddar Cheese: The star cheese of the show—sharp, melty, and perfectly gooey.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For that extra stretch and creaminess.
• Milk: A must to create the smooth, creamy sauce we love.
• Butter: Rich and velvety, butter adds depth to the sauce.
• Flour: Used to thicken the sauce and create the perfect consistency.
• Mustard Powder: The secret ingredient that adds a subtle tang and flavor kick.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the mac and cheese to perfection.

(Note: Full ingredient list and measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Meatloaf

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased baking dish or a lined casserole dish.

Step 2: Bake the Meatloaf

Bake the meatloaf for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 3: Cook the Elbow Macaroni

While the meatloaf is baking, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Mac and Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking until the mixture thickens. Once it’s thickened, add the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine the Mac and Cheese with the Meatloaf

Once the meatloaf is cooked and the mac and cheese sauce is ready, stir the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Pour the cheesy mac and cheese over the meatloaf in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve! This dish is best enjoyed while warm and gooey.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 550mg
Total Carbohydrates: 34g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 27g
Vitamin A: 20%
Vitamin C: 4%
Calcium: 25%
Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

This dish is perfect as a standalone meal, but if you want to jazz it up a little, here are some ideas for sides:

With a Simple Green Salad

Pair this rich casserole with a light, fresh salad. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will provide a nice contrast to the heaviness of the casserole.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans make a great, healthy side that balances the richness of the mac and cheese.

Garlic Bread

For even more comfort food, serve this casserole with a side of warm, crispy garlic bread. It’s perfect for dipping into that cheesy goodness!

Additional Tips

• Add Toppings: Before baking, top the mac and cheese with some extra shredded cheese for an even more indulgent, cheesy crust.
• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you’re looking to make this dish a bit lighter, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. It’ll still be tasty but a little leaner.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper to the mac and cheese sauce for a little heat.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf and mac and cheese in advance, then bake everything together right before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought mac and cheese instead of making it from scratch?

A1: Of course! If you’re short on time, using store-bought mac and cheese is a great shortcut. Just add it to the top of the meatloaf, and bake as instructed.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A2: Yes! You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just be sure to bake it thoroughly when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I freeze this casserole?

A3: Yes! You can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual.

Q4: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A4: Absolutely! If you prefer a different pasta, feel free to swap it out. Penne, shells, or rotini would all work well in this dish.

Q5: Can I add veggies to this casserole?

A5: Yes! Feel free to mix in some veggies like peas, spinach, or bell peppers to make it even more nutritious.

Q6: Can I make this gluten-free?

A6: Yes, you can! Simply use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version of this casserole.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?

A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Q8: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A8: Yes! Feel free to mix it up with cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a little parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Q9: Is there a way to make this dish lower in fat?

A9: You can make it lighter by using lean ground turkey or chicken and low-fat cheese. You can also use a lower-fat milk or a milk alternative.

Q10: Can I make this casserole in advance and bake it later?

A10: Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just bake it as directed when you’re ready to enjoy.

Conclusion

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect blend of two beloved comfort foods, and it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. With its rich, cheesy mac and cheese and hearty, savory meatloaf, it’s a meal that will satisfy everyone’s cravings. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

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