Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole (Printable Version)
A comforting baked dish layering seasoned meatloaf with creamy cheddar macaroni, topped with melted cheese and crispy breadcrumbs.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meatloaf Layer
01 - 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1/4 cup whole milk
07 - 2 tbsp ketchup
08 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tsp salt
10 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Mac and Cheese Layer
11 - 8 oz elbow macaroni
12 - 2 cups whole milk
13 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
14 - 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
16 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
17 - 1/2 tsp paprika
18 - 1/2 tsp dry mustard
19 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Topping
20 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
21 - 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
22 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined without overworking the meat.
03 - Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes until partially cooked through.
04 - While the meatloaf bakes, cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
05 - In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
06 - Stir cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, dry mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper into the sauce until melted and smooth. Fold in the cooked macaroni and mix until evenly coated.
07 - Spread the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the partially baked meatloaf layer in the baking dish.
08 - In a small bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole surface.
09 - Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It solves the eternal dinner debate of meatloaf or mac and cheese by boldly answering both.
- The contrast between the savory, seasoned beef base and the creamy, cheesy pasta layer is genuinely addictive.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully, which means you get to look forward to lunch the next day.
02 -
- Drain any excess grease from the meatloaf layer after the first bake before adding the mac and cheese, or the whole dish will swim in oil.
- Undercooking the pasta by one minute is critical because it absorbs sauce while baking and you want creamy, not mushy.
03 -
- Wet your hands slightly before pressing the meat mixture into the pan, it prevents sticking and gives you a more even layer.
- The cheese sauce should be slightly thicker than you think it needs to be because it thins out during baking as the pasta releases moisture.