What the heck is this?
This is comfort food on comfort food—Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole takes two all-time classics and smashes them together into one ridiculously satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal. It’s got a juicy, flavorful meatloaf base, topped with ultra-creamy, cheesy macaroni, all baked together until bubbly and golden. It’s family-friendly, cozy as heck, and totally weeknight-friendly too. Basically, it’s what happens when meatloaf decides to have a glow-up and bring mac and cheese along for the ride.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Two comfort food legends in one dish.
Creamy, cheesy pasta + juicy, savory meatloaf = flavor bomb.
Easy to make, even easier to devour.
Feeds a crowd or leaves you with amazing leftovers.
Customizable with your favorite cheeses, add-ins, or seasonings.
Bakes up golden, gooey, and completely irresistible.
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Meatloaf Base:
1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or mix with pork or turkey)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Mac and Cheese Layer:
8 oz elbow macaroni
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt + pepper to taste
For Topping (Optional but Delicious):
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp melted butter
Extra shredded cheese
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Make the Meatloaf Base
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper until just combined—don’t overwork it.
Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Bake the Meatloaf Layer
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes while you make the mac and cheese.
Step 3: Cook the Mac
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook macaroni until just al dente, drain, and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbly.
Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
Simmer gently until thickened, then stir in cheddar, parmesan, salt, and pepper until melty and luscious.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mac and cheese over the partially baked meatloaf layer.
If using, mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the top along with extra cheese.
Step 6: Final Bake
Return casserole to the oven and bake another 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Step 7: Serve and Get Ready for Praise
Scoop generous portions and serve with something green if you’re feeling balanced.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with roasted veggies or a simple side salad.
Add hot sauce, BBQ sauce, or ketchup for dipping.
Serve with garlic bread for total carb heaven.
Switch It Up
Meat Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.
Cheese Choices: Mix in mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack.
Veggie Boost: Add spinach, peas, or roasted broccoli to the mac.
Spicy Version: Stir hot sauce or cayenne into the meat or cheese sauce.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can fully assemble the casserole and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
The mac and cheese can also be made separately ahead and just layered when ready.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes! Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze before baking. Bake straight from frozen, adding extra time.
Q: Can I make it without breadcrumbs?
A: You can use crushed crackers, oats, or leave them out for a denser meatloaf.
Q: What’s the best cheese for the mac?
A: Sharp cheddar is classic, but any good melting cheese works.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely—use GF pasta, flour, and breadcrumbs.
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This is comfort food on comfort food—Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole takes two all-time classics and smashes them together into one ridiculously satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal. It’s got a juicy, flavorful meatloaf base, topped with ultra-creamy, cheesy macaroni, all baked together until bubbly and golden. It’s family-friendly, cozy as heck, and totally weeknight-friendly too. Basically, it’s what happens when meatloaf decides to have a glow-up and bring mac and cheese along for the ride.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Base:
1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or mix with pork or turkey)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Mac and Cheese Layer:
8 oz elbow macaroni
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt + pepper to taste
For Topping (Optional but Delicious):
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp melted butter
Extra shredded cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper until just combined—don’t overwork it.
Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes while you make the mac and cheese.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook macaroni until just al dente, drain, and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbly.
Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
Simmer gently until thickened, then stir in cheddar, parmesan, salt, and pepper until melty and luscious.
Pour the mac and cheese over the partially baked meatloaf layer.
If using, mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the top along with extra cheese.
Return casserole to the oven and bake another 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Scoop generous portions and serve with something green if you’re feeling balanced.
Notes
Pair with roasted veggies or a simple side salad.
Add hot sauce, BBQ sauce, or ketchup for dipping.
Serve with garlic bread for total carb heaven.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~560 kcal
- Fat: ~32g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Protein: ~30g