Description
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. Combining a savory meatloaf base with a creamy mac and cheese topping, this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Layer:
- 2 lbs ground beef (or substitute with turkey or chicken)
- 1 cup crushed crackers (Ritz or breadcrumbs)
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup ketchup (divided)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (divided)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mac and Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatloaf Layer:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, crushed crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into an even layer in a greased casserole dish. Spread half the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture over the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the meat is mostly cooked through.
- Prepare the Mac and Cheese:
- While the meatloaf bakes, cook the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to create a roux.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the cheeses (cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella) until fully melted. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the mac and cheese evenly over the top.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or extra shredded cheese over the mac and cheese layer.
- Bake and Serve:
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare this casserole in advance by assembling the meatloaf and mac and cheese layers separately. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing Tips: To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed.
- Customizations:
- Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the meatloaf mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Experiment with cheeses for the mac and cheese layer—smoked gouda or pepper jack add a fun twist.
- Sprinkle crispy bacon bits or fried onions on top of the mac and cheese for added texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance its richness. Garlic bread also makes a great side.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F (covered with foil) to keep the casserole moist and flavorful. A splash of milk added to the mac and cheese layer can help restore its creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
Keywords: mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, comfort food recipe, cheesy meatloaf dinner, family-friendly casserole, baked mac and cheese dish