Description
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines two beloved comfort foods in one dish. A flavorful meatloaf base topped with creamy, cheesy macaroni and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup ketchup
For the Mac and Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the meatloaf layer:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread ketchup over the top in an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes.
- While the meatloaf layer bakes, prepare the mac and cheese:
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni.
- Remove the partially baked meatloaf from the oven. Spread the mac and cheese evenly over the meatloaf layer.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or mustard to the cheese sauce.
- Use any type of shredded cheese you prefer, such as gouda or Monterey Jack, for a twist on the classic.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Meatloaf Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Family Meals, One-Dish Meal, Ground Beef, Cheesy Casserole, American Cuisine, Weeknight Dinner, Baking Recipe, Layered Casserole, Savory Dinner, Kid-Friendly Recipe, Crowd Pleaser, Classic Comfort, Hearty Meal, Cheddar Cheese, Homemade Dinner, Meal Inspiration