Dinner

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

Introduction

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect blend of two classic comfort foods. This hearty dish features a savory meatloaf base topped with creamy macaroni and cheese, baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and ideal for family dinners.

The image shows a close-up of a thick square slice of baked macaroni and ground beef casserole. The bottom layer is made of soft, tubular macaroni pasta in a pale yellow color, cooked just right. Above the pasta, there is a thick layer of browned ground beef, slightly crumbly in texture. The top layer is golden, melted cheese that looks rich and bubbly, with some browned spots showing it was baked perfectly. The casserole slice sits on a white plate, and in the background, there is a white marbled surface. The photo is clear and sharp. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 cups uncooked macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1/4 cup milk (for meatloaf)
2 tbsp butter (for cheese sauce)
2 cups milk (for cheese sauce)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dry mustard
2 tbsp flour

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Mix well and press the mixture evenly into a greased baking dish.
Step 3: Bake the meatloaf base for 20 minutes.
Step 4: While the meatloaf bakes, cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for one minute to form a roux.
Step 6: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dry mustard. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 7: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, then pour this mixture evenly over the partially baked meatloaf.
Step 8: Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese on top and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the meatloaf mix.
Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a creamier sauce.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatloaf can boost the veggie content.
Use whole wheat macaroni for a healthier twist.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through or place the entire dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated, about 20 minutes.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a thick slice of layered casserole on a white plate, placed on a white marbled texture. The casserole has three main layers: the bottom layer shows soft, curved macaroni pasta in a creamy, pale yellow sauce; the middle layer is made of browned ground beef with a coarse texture; the top layer is golden melted cheddar cheese that is bubbly and slightly browned in spots. There are small fresh green parsley leaves near the bottom edge of the plate for garnish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.

Can I use pre-cooked macaroni instead of uncooked?

Absolutely. If using pre-cooked macaroni, combine it directly with the cheese sauce and layer as instructed. Adjust the baking time since the pasta is already cooked.