Description
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines two classic comfort foods into one delicious, cheesy, and hearty dish. A layer of juicy meatloaf topped with creamy mac and cheese, then baked to perfection!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup ketchup (for topping)
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Meatloaf: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form & Bake: Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish. Spread ketchup on top. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Make Mac and Cheese: While the meatloaf bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Milk & Cheese: Slowly whisk in milk, then add cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese melts. Mix in cooked macaroni.
- Assemble Casserole: Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spread the mac and cheese evenly on top.
- Final Bake: Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make it Crispier: Sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs on top of the mac and cheese before baking.
- Add More Flavor: Try mixing Parmesan cheese into the mac and cheese or adding cooked bacon bits.
- Meat Variations: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and pork.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- Make it Spicy: Add 1 teaspoon of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the mac and cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: per serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 870
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
Keywords: comfort food, mac and cheese, meatloaf, casserole