If you crave the comfort of both mac and cheese and a classic meatloaf, this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole will blow your mind. Imagine tender, savory meatloaf as the base, layered with ultra-creamy macaroni and cheese, and crowned with a bubbling cheddar topping. It’s the ultimate mashup: hearty, rich, and joyfully nostalgic—all in a single casserole dish. This recipe brings together everything you love about home-cooked dinners in one unforgettable meal.

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is that it uses pantry-friendly staples, but each ingredient is a game-changer for flavor, texture, and pure comfort. Every component plays a starring role, so don’t skip a thing!

Ground beef: The rich, meaty foundation of your casserole, bringing moisture and satisfying flavor.
Breadcrumbs: These keep the meatloaf tender and perfectly sliceable.
Milk: A splash for the meatloaf and a generous pour for the cheese sauce; it adds creaminess all around.
Egg: This is your binder, helping everything hold together beautifully.
Onion: Finely chopped for a subtle sweetness running through the meat.
Garlic: Just a clove makes the meat mixture so much more aromatic.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to amp up the savory flavors.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a delicious depth and umami kick to your meatloaf.
Ketchup: For a slightly tangy, sweet finish on the loaf.
Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta for mac and cheese, capturing every drop of creamy sauce.
Butter: The starting point of a delicious, silky cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour: To thicken your cheese sauce with a classic roux.
Cheddar cheese: Go bold and sharp—it adds color, flavor, and that irresistible cheese pull (with extra for topping, of course!).
Mustard powder (optional): A quiet hero; a pinch makes the cheese so much brighter.
Extra salt and pepper: For seasoning your cheese sauce to absolute perfection.

How to Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Dish

Get things started by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks later, making for a fuss-free serving and easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a big bowl, gently mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Aim for just enough mixing to combine everything—overmixing can toughen the meatloaf. Press the mixture evenly into your prepared dish to create a flat, even layer.

Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf Base

Pop the meatloaf base in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. This gives the meat a head-start so it stays juicy and holds up beautifully beneath the cheesy macaroni topping.

Step 4: Prepare the Mac and Cheese

While the meatloaf bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and let it cook for a minute or two. This simple step is the secret to a lump-free, velvety cheese sauce. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 3-4 minutes). Off the heat, stir in the shredded cheddar until smooth and melted. Add mustard powder if you want an extra flavor pop. Finally, toss your cooked macaroni in the sauce—make sure every noodle gets coated in all that creamy goodness!

Step 5: Assemble the Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Carefully remove the par-baked meatloaf from the oven. Now, spoon (or pour) the mac and cheese directly over the beef layer, smoothing it out evenly. For the finishing touch, sprinkle a generous handful of extra cheddar cheese over the top. This is what will give you that gorgeous, golden crust.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Return the whole casserole to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is gorgeously melted and starting to bubble up with golden brown spots. Try to let the finished casserole rest for about 5 minutes—it’ll slice much more cleanly, and you won’t scorch your tongue!

How to Serve Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Garnishes

Add a shower of fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving for a hit of color and a fresh, herby note. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a dash of hot sauce on top can wake up the flavors for those who love a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

Because Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is so decadent, pair it with something crisp and green. A simple salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or some roasted broccoli will balance out the richness. If you’re feeling indulgent, buttery garlic bread is always a winner for soaking up any cheesy drips.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking in individual ramekins for a dinner party twist—they look adorable and make serving a breeze. Or, garnish each slice with microgreens and a little drizzle of spicy ketchup for a fun bistro-style plate. Leftovers (if there are any!) are perfect for stacking in a lunchbox or tucking into a sandwich roll for a wildly tasty lunch treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the casserole cool to room temperature before covering tightly with foil or transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole keeps well for up to 4 days and tastes just as comforting after a quick reheat.

Freezing

This dish is a freezer dream. Assemble the casserole as directed but stop before the final bake. Wrap tightly in plastic and then foil. When you’re ready for comfort food, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, sprinkle on your extra cheese, and bake until hot and golden on top.

Reheating

Microwave individual portions for quick lunches, or warm the casserole in the oven, covered, at 160°C (325°F) until heated through. If the top looks a bit dry, a fresh scatter of cheese right before reheating works wonders.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole works wonderfully with a mix of beef and pork, all ground beef, or even ground turkey for a lighter variation. Just keep an eye on the bake time, as leaner meats may cook a bit faster.

What cheese is best for the mac and cheese layer?

Sharp cheddar is classic for its bold taste and beautiful melt, but feel free to get creative—try Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a blend. Extra cheese on top helps give that signature golden crust.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes! Finely diced bell peppers, spinach, or shredded carrots in the meatloaf mix all work well without changing the comforting vibe. Just be sure to sauté firmer veggies first to keep things tender.

How can I make this gluten-free?

It’s easy: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta for the macaroni. Also, double-check that your Worcestershire sauce and flour are gluten-free, or swap in a GF flour blend for the roux.

Does this recipe double or halve well?

Definitely. Halve everything for a smaller group and use an 8×8-inch dish, or double ingredients for a crowd and bake in a larger casserole. Keep an eye on baking times and check for doneness accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole brings together two family-favorite classics in the most scrumptious way possible—creamy, cheesy pasta over a perfectly seasoned meatloaf base, finished with that irresistible golden crust. It’s one of those recipes that delights everyone at the table and begs for seconds. If you’re looking for a cozy dinner to share or impress, make this once and it’ll become a requested regular!

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 7 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food mashup with this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. A hearty meatloaf base is topped with creamy mac and cheese, creating a deliciously satisfying dish that will please the whole family.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Meatloaf Base: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Mix until just combined. Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form a flat layer.
Bake the Meatloaf Base: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes while preparing the mac and cheese topping.
Prepare the Mac and Cheese: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add mustard powder if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce until well coated.
Assemble the Casserole: Remove the meatloaf base from the oven. Spread the mac and cheese evenly over the meatloaf.
Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for a golden crust.
Bake the Casserole: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American