Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Ever had a meal that combines the cheesy comfort of mac and cheese with the hearty goodness of meatloaf?

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting dish that hits all the right notes. It’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s all baked in one pan, which means less cleanup for you. Who doesn’t love that?

Why make this recipe

Here’s why you’ll want to whip up this dish tonight:

• Easy Cleanup: With everything cooked in one pan, you’ll spend more time feasting and less time scrubbing pots and pans. Amen to that!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds (or thirds). It’s hard to resist a cheesy meatloaf!
• Affordable Ingredients: You don’t need a gourmet budget for this one. Just simple, everyday items that pack a flavor punch!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Directions

Making this casserole is as easy as 1-2-3! Here’s how:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well mixed.
4. Layer half of the macaroni in a greased casserole dish.
5. Spread the meat mixture over the macaroni layer.
6. Pour the milk over the meatloaf layer.
7. Add the remaining macaroni on top, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole (Overview)

Ready for the rundown? Start by cooking the macaroni while you mix up the meat mixture. It’s all about multitasking, folks! Layer up half the macaroni, slap on that flavor-packed meat mix, and drench it all in milk. Top with the remaining macaroni and load on some cheese! Bake it till it’s bubbly, and voila — dinner’s served.

Quick pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic in the ground beef mixture; it makes everything so much more flavorful! 😉

How to serve Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Serve this beauty warm, and watch it melt into gooey perfection. You’ll see a golden layer of cheese nestled on top, tantalizingly stretching as you scoop out a portion. Pair it with a fresh side salad for a burst of color and crunch, or grab some garlic bread to soak up those cheesy juices. The aroma wafting from your kitchen? Pure bliss!

How to store Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Got leftovers? No worries! This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it! Just cover it tightly and it’ll last for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, pop it in the oven until heated through, and enjoy that cozy comfort again.

Tips to make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Here are a few quick insider tricks to elevate your casserole game:

1. Mix and Match Cheeses: Swap out cheddar for mozzarella or gouda for added flavor.
2. Extra Veggies: Add some diced bell peppers or spinach to sneak in some greens for the kids (or yourself).
3. Crispy Top: For a crunchy topping, mix some extra breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle it on top before baking. More texture, more yum!

Variation

Craving something different? Try a BBQ twist: add barbecue sauce to the meat mixture and use spicy cheese for a little kick. Or go vegan by substituting ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and using cashew-based cheese. Endless possibilities!

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it and refrigerate it for 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes! Just be sure to wrap it tightly before freezing, and it’ll be good to go for about 3 months.

What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to experiment! Mozzarella, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack can add unique flavors to your casserole.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

A comforting dish that combines cheesy mac and cheese with hearty meatloaf, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Don’t skip toasting the garlic for extra flavor.
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Pasta and Cheese

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to mix and match other cheeses.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well mixed.

Assembly and Baking

1. Layer half of the macaroni in a greased casserole dish.
2. Spread the meat mixture over the macaroni layer.
3. Pour the milk over the meatloaf layer.
4. Add the remaining macaroni on top, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for about 3 months. Consider pairing with a fresh side salad or garlic bread.