Description
Cozy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese with hearty, flavorful meatloaf in one convenient, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Layer
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Macaroni and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Macaroni: Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be combined later with the cheese sauce, which makes this layer irresistibly smooth.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk while stirring. Once thickened, melt shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce until creamy and smooth—the soul of your mac and cheese.
- Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: Combine ground beef, finely chopped onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup or tomato sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix gently until just combined to keep your meatloaf tender.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the meatloaf mixture evenly in a greased baking dish. Top with the cooked macaroni, then drizzle the cheese sauce over. Finish with the remaining meatloaf mixture, pressing gently to create an even top layer.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-55 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the top is golden. Let it rest a few minutes before slicing to allow layers to set.
Notes
- Don’t overmix meatloaf: Mixing gently keeps the meatloaf tender and prevents it from getting dense.
- Use sharp cheddar: It melts beautifully and packs more flavor than mild cheeses.
- Drain pasta thoroughly: Avoid sogginess by ensuring macaroni has little residual water.
- Let casserole rest before serving: This helps the layers firm up and improves slicing.
- Cover with foil midway: Prevents the cheese on top from burning before the meat is cooked through.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg