🧀🍖 A Comfort Food Classic Mash-Up
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a rich, indulgent dish that layers juicy, flavorful meatloaf with creamy, cheesy macaroni. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want to impress with minimal fuss. The meatloaf forms a hearty base, and the mac and cheese becomes a golden, bubbly topping — all baked to perfection in one dish.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (85/15)
- ½ lb ground pork (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)
For the Mac and Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional for gooeyness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp paprika or dry mustard (for a kick)
Optional Topping:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tbsp melted butter (for crunch)
🍽️ Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole pan.
2. Make the Meatloaf Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Mix gently until just combined — don’t overwork it.
- Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a flat, compact meatloaf layer.
3. Bake the Meatloaf Base
- Bake the meatloaf layer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until it firms up slightly and begins to brown around the edges.
- While it bakes, prepare the mac and cheese.
4. Cook the Macaroni
- Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions).
- Drain and set aside.
5. Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the sauce with the cooked pasta.
6. Assemble the Casserole
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven.
- Spoon the mac and cheese evenly over the meatloaf layer.
- Sprinkle with extra cheese and breadcrumb topping (if using).
7. Final Bake
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Optional: Broil for the last 2 minutes for extra crunch and color.
8. Rest and Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm, garnished with parsley or a dash of hot sauce if desired.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp garden salad.
- Great with a drizzle of BBQ sauce or hot sauce on top.
🔁 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave or bake at 350°F until heated through.
- Freeze: Freeze slices individually for a quick weeknight meal.