A Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup — rich, cheesy macaroni layered over or baked with savory meatloaf. It’s a crowd-pleaser and super satisfying!
🍽️ Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Ingredients:
For the meatloaf layer:
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1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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1/4 cup milk
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1/2 small onion, finely diced
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2 tablespoons ketchup
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the mac and cheese layer:
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2 cups elbow macaroni
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons flour
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2 cups milk (warm)
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
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Salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika
Optional topping:
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1/2 cup shredded cheese (for topping)
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1/4 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (for crunch)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch or similar casserole dish.
2. Make the meatloaf base:
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In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your casserole dish, forming a meatloaf “layer.”
3. Bake the meatloaf:
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Bake the meat layer on its own for 20 minutes. This helps it firm up before adding the mac and cheese.
4. While that bakes, cook the pasta:
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Boil the macaroni until just al dente (about 6 minutes). Drain and set aside.
5. Make the cheese sauce:
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
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Gradually whisk in warm milk and cook until thickened (3–5 minutes).
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Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
6. Combine pasta and cheese sauce:
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Stir cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until well coated.
7. Assemble the casserole:
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Once the meatloaf layer is pre-baked, remove from the oven.
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Spoon the mac and cheese over the meat layer and smooth it out.
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Top with extra shredded cheese and/or crushed crackers for a crunchy finish.
8. Final bake:
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Return to the oven and bake for 20–25 more minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
9. Rest & serve:
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Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve with a side salad, green beans, or roasted veggies.