Description
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines two comfort food classics in one dish! This hearty casserole layers creamy mac and cheese over a flavorful meatloaf base, creating a delicious, family-friendly dinner perfect for weeknights or gatherings. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to please!
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- For the Mac and Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Layer:
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Bake the Meatloaf Base:
- Bake the meatloaf layer for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Prepare the Mac and Cheese:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the mac and cheese evenly over the baked meatloaf layer. If using the breadcrumb topping, sprinkle it over the mac and cheese.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked cheddar or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
- Add a layer of cooked vegetables (like spinach or mushrooms) between the meatloaf and mac and cheese for extra nutrients.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, meatloaf and macaroni casserole, cheesy meatloaf casserole, mac and cheese with meatloaf, comfort food casserole