Description
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty, all-in-one comfort food combining juicy meatloaf with creamy, cheesy macaroni. Baked together in one dish, it’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners or leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 tsp paprika or mustard powder
- 1 cup extra shredded cheese (for topping)
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- While the meatloaf bakes, cook elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux, then slowly add milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add paprika or mustard powder if using. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the drained macaroni and mix well.
- Spread the mac and cheese evenly over the partially cooked meatloaf. Top with extra shredded cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake for 15–20 more minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Add diced jalapeños to the mac and cheese for a kick.
- Swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use a cheese blend or alternate cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Layer in sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Boxed mac and cheese can be used for quicker prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
