Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Mac and cheese meatloaf casserole is the ultimate comfort food that blends creamy, cheesy pasta with hearty meatloaf in one delicious dish. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe offers the best of both worlds savory beef layers topped with rich macaroni and cheese. It’s filling, flavorful, and sure to please both kids and adults alike. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this casserole brings warmth to your table without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether served as a main course or paired with vegetables, this meal is a cozy option for any night of the week.

Ingredients Of Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Why You Will Love This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

This mac and cheese meatloaf casserole combines two classics into one hearty dish. The savory meatloaf base pairs perfectly with creamy, cheesy pasta topping, creating layers of flavor and comfort. It’s family-friendly, filling, and an easy way to serve a complete meal in just one dish.

Preparation Process Of Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Start by mixing ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, and seasonings to form the meatloaf layer. Bake until nearly cooked. Meanwhile, prepare a creamy mac and cheese with elbow pasta, butter, milk, and cheddar. Spread the mac and cheese over the baked meatloaf, then return to the oven for a golden, bubbly finish.

Step By Step Instructions

Prepare Meatloaf Base
Mix beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, ketchup, and seasoning. Shape into a loaf in a casserole dish for the hearty bottom layer.

Bake Meatloaf
Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes until cooked but juicy. This ensures the meatloaf holds its form and sets the perfect base for layering later.

Cook Pasta
Boil elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain. This prevents the pasta from turning mushy when baked again with the cheese mixture.

Make Cheese Sauce
Melt butter, whisk in flour, slowly add milk, then stir in cheddar. This creates a creamy, rich sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss drained macaroni with the cheese sauce until fully coated. This makes the pasta creamy and prevents dryness in the final bake.

Layer Casserole
Spread cheesy pasta evenly over the baked meatloaf. This two-layer combination ensures every bite has flavor and texture together.

Bake Again
Return casserole to the oven for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden. This finishes the dish with melted, crisp cheese perfection.

Serve Warm
Let casserole rest briefly before slicing into portions. Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

How to Serve?

• Serve hot with a fresh green salad
• Pair with roasted vegetables for balance
• Add garlic bread on the side for extra comfort
• Top with parsley for a fresh finish

Tips & Variations

Nutrition

1. Calories: 520
2. Protein: 29g
3. Fat: 26g
4. Carbohydrates: 42g
5. Fiber: 2g
6. Sugar: 5g
7. Sodium: 880mg

Recipe Card

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Recipe by Rachael rayCourse: Mac and Cheese Recipe

Servings

6 people

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

520

kcal

Mac and cheese meatloaf casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines two comfort food favorites into one. A savory meatloaf base is topped with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a filling and flavorful meal. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or gatherings where you want to impress. It’s rich, cheesy, and satisfying, offering a complete meal in just one dish. Ideal for kids and adults alike, this casserole ensures everyone leaves the table happy and full. Serve it warm with salad or vegetables for a wholesome and comforting dinner.

Ingredients

• Ground beef

• Breadcrumbs

• Eggs

• Onion (chopped)

• Garlic (minced)

• Ketchup

• Worcestershire sauce

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Elbow macaroni

• Cheddar cheese

• Milk

• Butter

• All-purpose flour

Directions

• Prepare Meatloaf Base
• Mix beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, ketchup, and seasoning. Shape into a loaf in a casserole dish for the hearty bottom layer.
• Bake Meatloaf
• Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes until cooked but juicy. This ensures the meatloaf holds its form and sets the perfect base for layering later.
• Cook Pasta
• Boil elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain. This prevents the pasta from turning mushy when baked again with the cheese mixture.
• Make Cheese Sauce
• Melt butter, whisk in flour, slowly add milk, then stir in cheddar. This creates a creamy, rich sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Combine Pasta and Sauce
• Toss drained macaroni with the cheese sauce until fully coated. This makes the pasta creamy and prevents dryness in the final bake.
• Layer Casserole
• Spread cheesy pasta evenly over the baked meatloaf. This two-layer combination ensures every bite has flavor and texture together.
• Bake Again
• Return casserole to the oven for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden. This finishes the dish with melted, crisp cheese perfection.
• Serve Warm
• Let casserole rest briefly before slicing into portions. Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set layers.
• For richer flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese.
• You can double the recipe for larger gatherings.

FAQs

Conclusion