This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole comes together in about 45 minutes and bakes up beautifully in one dish for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love!
Ingredient Breakdown
To whip up this delicious Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, gather the following ingredients. I promise, they’re all easy to find and hands down, some of your family’s favorites!
Main Ingredients
1 ½ pounds ground beef: The heart of the meatloaf! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well if you’re looking for a lighter version.
1 cup breadcrumbs: They help bind the meatloaf together. You can use regular or panko breadcrumbs, either adds a delightful texture!
1 egg: This helps to hold everything together, just like a glue stick for our meatloaf masterpiece.
½ cup milk: Adds moisture to the meat mixture. If you’re dairy-free, feel free to swap in almond or oat milk!
1 small onion, finely chopped: This brings so much flavor to the table! I like to sauté it first to sweeten it up a bit.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because who doesn’t love that amazing garlic flavor?
1 teaspoon salt: A couple pinches of salt right here, folks, is essential!
½ teaspoon black pepper: For that little kick we all love.
½ cup barbecue sauce (for topping): This gives a sweet and smoky finish to the meatloaf. Use your favorite brand or make it homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!
For the Mac and Cheese
2 cups elbow macaroni: The ultimate comfort food pasta! You can swap in cavatappi or shells if you prefer.
2 tablespoons butter: Because butter makes everything better. It’s the secret to that creamy cheese sauce!
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This helps thicken our cheese sauce, like magic.
2 cups milk: Just like in the meat mixture, we need milk again for that luscious cheese sauce.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The star of this dish! Sharp cheddar gives it so much flavor, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
½ teaspoon salt: A little seasoning for the sauce!
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional): I like to throw this in for a little bit of color and warmth.
How to Make This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Let’s dive into how I whip together this delicious meal! Trust me, it’s easier than you think!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. The smell of the oven heating up is already giving me cozy vibes!
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. When mixing, don’t be shy! Get in there with your hands. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish, creating a nice layer for your casserole.
Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the meat mixture. Seriously, this is where the magic begins!
Bake for 25 minutes. While that’s cooking, you can tackle the mac and cheese!
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain it. Set it aside for later, this is where incredible flavor comes in!
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, and then stir in the flour with a whisk for about 1 minute, until it forms a paste. This is your roux, and it smells amazing!
Gradually whisk in the milk (keeping it smooth is key!). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.
Now stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and paprika (if using) until it’s all melted and ooey-gooey. I mean, just look at that cheese, divine!
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every noodle gets coated in that creamy goodness.
Spoon the mac and cheese over the meatloaf layer in the dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. You’ll want your kitchen to smell like a cheesy wonderland!
Finally, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set, and trust me, your mouth will thank you!
And the best part? You can make it at any time of year, and it always hits just right!
If you loved this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, be sure to check out my Chicken Mac and Cheese, my Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf, or my Easy Cheeseburger Meatloaf! You’ll find these recipes just as comforting and perfect for those busy weeknights.
Why This Recipe Works
Comfort Food
This dish is, without a doubt, loaded with tons of flavor! It’s the type of food that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Everyone needs that kind of comfort on busy weeknights, am I right?
Quick & Easy
Comes together in about 45 minutes total from start to finish. It’s perfect for those days when you need something delicious, fast!
One-Pan Wonder
Minimal cleanup required! You’ve got just a few bowls and a pan to wash after all that cheesiness, leaving you more time to relax or have a chat after dinner.
Crowd-Pleaser
The whole family will love it! Kids and adults alike rave about it, it’s such a great way to sneak in essential nutrients while satisfying those cheesy cravings!
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you have! Got some veggies lying around? Toss them in! Use ground turkey instead of beef or try a different cheese. You can personalize this dish however you like!
Serving & Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
Pair this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for a complete meal. It’s also delicious with some homemade garlic bread on the side!
Storage
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container, you don’t want any unwanted fridge odors creeping in!
Reheating Instructions
The best method for reheating is to pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Microwave works if you’re in a pinch, but it won’t get that lovely crispy top!
Freezer Friendly
Yes! This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole freezes beautifully. Cut into serving pieces and wrap tightly with freezer-friendly wrap. It’ll hold up well for about 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat!
And there you have it! Your new favorite dish is just a quick cook away. This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is not only a vital part of my recipe rotation but can become a cherished addition to your family’s mealtime as well. So, grab your apron, channel your inner chef, and let’s get cooking! I promise you won’t regret it!
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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and delicious one-dish meal featuring meatloaf topped with creamy mac and cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (for topping)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (for cheese sauce)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (for cheese sauce)
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the meat mixture.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain it.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the flour for about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, bring to a simmer, and simmer until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and paprika until melted.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.
- Spoon the mac and cheese over the meatloaf layer in the dish.
- Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
This dish can be customized with different cheeses or proteins. It’s freezer-friendly for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg