Comforting Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe For Dinner

Comfort food takes on a whole new level with this delectable mac and cheese meatloaf casserole that combines two classic favorites.

Creamy cheese sauce meets hearty ground beef in a dish that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of tender pasta and seasoned meat create a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of rich flavors and comforting textures.

The combination melts together like a culinary symphony, promising warmth and happiness on a plate.

This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that speaks directly to the soul.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing dish and watch as it becomes an instant family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

All The Ingredients In Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty protein foundation with robust flavor, choose lean cut for balanced texture.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind meat mixture and creates tender, soft consistency, use fresh or store-bought.
• Milk: Adds moisture and softens meat mixture, whole milk recommended for best results.
• Egg: Acts as binding agent to hold ingredients together, fresh eggs enhance structural integrity.
• Onion: Contributes sweet, aromatic undertones and depth of flavor, finely chop for even distribution.
• Garlic: Introduces intense, zesty punch and enhances overall savoriness, fresh cloves preferred.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that elevate and balance meat's natural taste.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers complex, tangy flavor profile with subtle umami notes.
• Ketchup: Provides subtle sweetness and moisture, adds gentle tomato undertone.

• Butter: Creates smooth, rich base for cheese sauce, unsalted butter recommended.
• Flour: Helps thicken sauce and provides silky texture, all-purpose works perfectly.
• Milk: Forms creamy foundation for cheese sauce, whole milk suggested.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, bold cheese flavor, opt for high-quality block cheese.
• Mustard Powder: Introduces subtle, tangy kick and enhances cheese complexity.
• Macaroni: Serves as primary pasta component, choose traditional elbow shape.

• Extra Cheddar Cheese: Creates golden, crispy cheese crust, shredded from block recommended.

Tools Needed For Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing ground beef and other meatloaf ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking Dish (9×13-inch): Perfect for creating an even layer of meatloaf and mac and cheese.
• Medium Saucepan: Key for preparing the creamy cheese sauce with smooth consistency.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending flour, milk, and creating a lump-free roux.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients for perfect flavor balance.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring cheese sauce and combining meatloaf mixture.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for creating fresh shredded cheese topping.
• Oven Mitts: Necessary for safely handling hot baking dishes.

How To Cook Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Meatloaf Foundation

Craft a hearty beef base by blending ground meat with soft breadcrumbs, creating a rich canvas for the cheesy adventure. Press the mixture smoothly into a welcoming baking dish, allowing it to settle and develop deep flavors during initial baking.

• Cheese Sauce Magic

Transform simple ingredients into a creamy wonder by whisking butter and flour into a silky roux. Gradually introduce milk, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a luxurious sauce. Fold sharp cheddar into the blend, creating a velvety coating that will hug every pasta curve.

• Pasta Paradise

Toss tender macaroni through the molten cheese sauce, ensuring each noodle becomes a delectable carrier of rich, creamy goodness. The pasta will absorb the sauce’s incredible flavor profile, promising a mouthwatering experience.

• Layered Harmony

Drape the cheese-coated pasta over the partially baked meatloaf foundation. Sprinkle an extra cascade of cheese across the top, inviting a golden, crispy blanket to form during the final baking stage.

• Culinary Crescendo

Slide the assembled masterpiece back into the oven, allowing the ingredients to merge and create a symphony of textures. Watch as the top turns golden and the edges bubble with anticipation. Once complete, let the dish rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle and intensify.

• Serving Celebration

Slice through the layers, revealing the beautiful integration of meat and pasta. Plate alongside fresh greens or vibrant vegetables to complement this hearty creation.

Tips For Flavorful Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Meat Mixture Magic: Mix the ground beef gently to avoid tough meatloaf. Use a light touch when combining ingredients to keep the texture tender and juicy.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere for a more complex flavor profile. Swap out some cheddar for smoked cheese to add depth.
• Gluten-Free Transformation: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use gluten-free flour for the cheese sauce to make the entire dish celiac-friendly.
• Veggie Boost Option: Sneak in finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini into the meat mixture for extra nutrition. Grate vegetables to ensure they blend seamlessly without changing the texture.
• Low-Carb Twist: Substitute macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb version. Use ground turkey or lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor.

Ways To Serve Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Comfort Food Companion: A crisp garden salad with tangy vinaigrette perfectly balances the rich, creamy meatloaf casserole and adds a refreshing contrast.
• Hearty Side Kick: Roasted seasonal vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts bring extra nutrition and complementary flavors to this indulgent dish.
• Family-Style Presentation: Slice the casserole into generous portions and serve directly from the baking dish for a warm, inviting family dinner experience that encourages shared moments.
• Gourmet Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add a burst of color, fresh herb flavor, and a touch of elegance to this classic comfort meal.

Store Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Right

• Fridge Fresh Tactics: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated portions stay delicious for 3-4 days, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm individual servings in microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency. For crispy top, use oven at 180C for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent burning.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Best to freeze before adding final cheese topping to maintain quality.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide casserole into individual serving containers before refrigerating. This method simplifies meal prep, reduces waste, and creates grab-and-go lunches for busy days. Label containers with date for easy tracking.

Hearty Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comforting mac and cheese meatloaf casserole blends classic American comfort foods into one hearty dish. Cheese-laden pasta and seasoned ground beef create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (500 g) ground beef
• 2 cups (200 g) elbow macaroni, cooked
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• ¼ cup (60 ml) ketchup
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prep Station: Preheat the oven to 180C (350F). Thoroughly coat a rectangular baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to ensure easy removal.
2. Meat Foundation: Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, and seasonings. Gently combine ingredients, avoiding excessive handling. Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared dish, creating a compact base with smooth surfaces.
3. Initial Roasting: Place the meat foundation in the oven and partially cook for 15 minutes while simultaneously preparing the cheese sauce and pasta.
4. Cheese Sauce Construction: In a saucepan, craft a velvety roux by melting butter and whisking in flour. Gradually stream milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and incorporate cheddar cheese and mustard powder, creating a silky, flavorful coating. Thoroughly toss cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce.
5. Layering and Cheese Topping: Remove the meat base from the oven and evenly spread the cheesy pasta mixture across the surface. Sprinkle an abundant layer of additional cheddar cheese to create a golden, crispy crown.
6. Final Baking: Return the casserole to the oven and bake until the cheese melts into a bubbling, bronzed topping, approximately 20-25 minutes.
7. Serving Presentation: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes. Slice into generous portions and complement with fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Prevent Meat Overmixing: Gently combine ground beef ingredients to maintain a tender, soft texture and avoid tough, dense meatloaf.
• Create Smooth Cheese Sauce: Whisk roux slowly and consistently to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky, creamy cheese sauce that coats macaroni evenly.
• Control Cheese Melting: Sprinkle cheese in layers for an even, golden-brown crust that provides maximum flavor and attractive presentation.
• Resting Is Crucial: Let casserole settle for 5-10 minutes after baking to help ingredients set, making slicing cleaner and preventing immediate structural collapse.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg