Name: Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 egg; 1/2 small onion, finely chopped; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 cups elbow macaroni; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp paprika (optional); 1/2 cup additional shredded cheese; Fresh parsley for garnish

Description

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines two classic comfort foods into one satisfying dish. A savory meatloaf layer is topped with creamy, cheesy macaroni and baked until golden and bubbly perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatloaf Base:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Mac and Cheese:

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp paprika (optional)

Optional Topping:

1/2 cup additional shredded cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1 Prepare the Meatloaf Base
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
Mix until just combined and press evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish
Bake for 20 minutes while preparing the mac and cheese

2 Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
Cook elbow macaroni until al dente according to package directions
Drain and set aside

3 Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute
Gradually whisk in milk and cook until slightly thickened
Stir in cheddar cheese, salt, and paprika until melted and smooth

4 Assemble and Bake
Spread the cooked macaroni evenly over the baked meatloaf layer
Pour cheese sauce over the top and gently stir to combine, if desired
Sprinkle with additional cheese if using
Return to oven and bake for 15–20 more minutes until bubbly and golden

5 Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired

Notes

Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for extra flavor

Add cooked vegetables like peas or broccoli to the mac and cheese for more nutrition

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days

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

Keywords: Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, Comfort Food Casserole, Meatloaf with Macaroni, Easy Family Dinner Recipe, Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole,Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf