Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole – Ultimate Comfort Food
This mac and cheese meatloaf casserole combines tender, savory meatloaf with creamy, cheesy pasta — all baked together for the ultimate comfort food mashup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp mustard (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Toppings (Optional):
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch dish.
- Combine meatloaf ingredients and press into dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour to form roux. Slowly add milk, stir until thickened.
- Add cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and mix to coat.
- Layer mac and cheese over meatloaf, sprinkle with toppings.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Use ground turkey or vegan alternatives as desired.
- Reheats well for lunches or leftovers.