The Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the definition of comfort food decadence—a brilliant culinary mashup that takes two beloved classics and unites them into a single, hearty, and irresistible main dish. Forget serving meatloaf on one plate and mac and cheese on another; this casserole layers a savory, seasoned meatloaf base with a creamy, cheesy pasta topping, baking it all into a single, cohesive, and deeply satisfying meal.
It’s the perfect recipe for a chilly evening, a casual family dinner, or whenever you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that is simple to assemble yet tastes incredibly indulgent.
🏗️ Building the Comfort: The Anatomy of the Casserole
The success of this casserole lies in its smart structural layers:
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The Savory Foundation (Meatloaf): Unlike a traditional free-standing meatloaf, this layer is often pressed thinly into the bottom of the baking dish. It’s rich in flavor, thanks to seasonings, onions, and often a binder like breadcrumbs.
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The Creamy Layer (Mac and Cheese): This is the star topping. A classic, velvety cheese sauce coats elbow macaroni, providing a perfect contrast to the dense, meaty base.
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The Crispy Finish (Cheese & Topping): A final layer of sharp cheddar or breadcrumbs creates a golden, bubbly crust that adds texture to every bite.
📝 Recipe: Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
This recipe simplifies the process by creating a robust meatloaf base and a quick stovetop mac and cheese topping.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Base
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1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or traditional)
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1/2 cup milk
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1/4 cup ketchup (or barbecue sauce)
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Mac and Cheese Topping
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8 ounces elbow macaroni
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon dry mustard (optional, but enhances cheese flavor)
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2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
Instructions
1. Prep and Cook Pasta
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Preheat your oven to ().
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Cook the macaroni according to package directions until slightly under al dente (it will continue cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
2. Create the Meatloaf Base
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In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, diced onion, egg, salt, and pepper.
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Mix gently but thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
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Press the entire mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Partially Bake the Meatloaf
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Bake the meatloaf layer by itself for 15 minutes. This firming step prevents the cheese sauce from soaking into the raw meat and helps it hold its shape.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce (Béchamel)
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While the meatloaf bakes, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
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Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute (this is the roux).
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Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly until it thickens slightly (about 3 minutes).
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Remove from heat and stir in the salt, dry mustard, and 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
5. Assemble the Casserole
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Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
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Remove the meatloaf from the oven.
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Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the partially baked meatloaf base.
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Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
6. Bake and Serve
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Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbly and the cheese topping is golden brown.
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Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Variations
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The Ketchup Glaze: For a traditional meatloaf flavor, brush a thin layer of ketchup or barbecue sauce over the top of the meatloaf base beforeyou add the mac and cheese topping.
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Veggie Boost: Add finely grated carrot or bell pepper to the meatloaf mixture for hidden nutrients.
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Spicy Kick: Stir a dash of hot sauce into the mac and cheese sauce for a subtle warmth