When I made this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole for the first time, it was an instant family favorite. Imagine tender, seasoned ground beef layered beneath creamy, velvety mac and cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It has all the comfort of a Sunday night dinner with the ease of a weeknight meal. I still remember the wide-eyed smiles and second helpings — even the picky eaters were licking their plates.
What makes this dish so special to me is how effortlessly it brings together two classic comfort foods. I’m a huge fan of mac and cheese and meatloaf separately, but putting them together in one hearty casserole just made sense. The result is indulgent, soul-warming, and impossible to resist. It’s become my go-to recipe when I want to impress guests or simply spoil myself with something rich and satisfying.
I’ve shared this casserole with neighbors, brought it to potlucks, and served it on cozy nights at home — each time, it’s met with rave reviews. There’s just something magical about that cheesy crust, tender pasta, and savory beef blend. If you’re looking for something new that still feels familiar, this is it.
Why You’ll Love This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
This recipe is the ultimate comfort food fusion, marrying two household staples into one satisfying dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for a casual dinner party. You get the heartiness of a classic meatloaf, paired with ultra-creamy mac and cheese, topped with a golden baked layer of cheese that’s lightly crispy on top.
Plus, it’s super customizable. You can swap out the meat, mix in extra veggies, or spice it up to your taste. It’s kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and even better the next day. If you’re a fan of rich, cheesy, and meaty casseroles, this dish will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation.
And if you love creamy ground beef recipes like Creamy Beef and Shells or Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta, you’re going to adore this one!
How to Make the Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced onion, garlic powder, an egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for about 20 minutes while you prepare the mac and cheese layer.
Step 2: Make the Mac and Cheese
Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions, then drain. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in milk while whisking until smooth and thickened. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Carefully remove the baking dish with the meatloaf base from the oven. Spread the mac and cheese evenly over the meat layer. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired, then return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
You can customize this casserole with a variety of swaps and additions. Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter take. Add finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
If you’re a spice lover, stir in a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the cheese sauce. Prefer a sharper cheese? Swap some of the cheddar for gouda or pepper jack. And for a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. The recipe is flexible and forgiving, making it easy to adapt to your pantry and preferences.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but adding a side can really elevate it. I love serving it with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the casserole. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans also make excellent companions, adding color and freshness to your plate.
For drinks, a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with the cheesy, meaty flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, iced tea with lemon or a crisp sparkling water is a refreshing choice. And if you’re entertaining, try a side of garlic bread or homemade rolls to make it even more filling and satisfying.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This casserole actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
To reheat, place portions on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. If you prefer the oven, cover the dish with foil and warm at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. You can also freeze the casserole in individual portions for quick weeknight meals. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the bake time when you’re ready to cook it.
What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar is the go-to for bold flavor and smooth melt, but you can also blend it with mozzarella, Colby, or Monterey Jack.
Can I use boxed mac and cheese?
Yes, if you’re in a rush, boxed mac and cheese will work. Just make sure it’s thick and creamy so it holds up well when baked.
How do I keep the meat layer from shrinking?
Use lean ground beef and don’t overmix it. Press it evenly into the dish, and partially bake it before adding the mac and cheese to keep it firm.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the regular pasta and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions. Also, double-check your Worcestershire sauce and flour to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Related Recipe You’ll Like
If this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole won your heart, you’re in for a treat with some of my other hearty comfort food creations. You’ll love the Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce, where tender tortellini meets a rich meat sauce and plenty of melted cheese — it’s a crowd-pleaser just like this casserole.
Another top pick is my Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta, a one-pan wonder that’s rich, creamy, and packed with savory beef flavor. If you crave that warm, cozy feeling from baked pasta dishes, try the One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta. It’s quick, flavorful, and has the same weeknight-friendly magic.
These recipes are all built for ease and indulgence, just like the casserole you came for.
Save and Share This Recipe for Later
If you’re anything like me, your Pinterest board is your secret recipe vault. Be sure to pin this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole so you can find it next time you’re craving something cheesy and comforting. Sharing is caring — if you enjoyed this recipe, send it to a friend, post it to your social feed, or include it in your next meal plan.
This casserole is too good to keep to yourself, so go ahead and spread the love!
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a rich, hearty, and ultra-comforting dish that combines two beloved classics into one unforgettable meal. It features a savory meatloaf base made with seasoned ground beef and a creamy mac and cheese layer on top, finished with a golden, melted cheddar crust. This dish is perfect for weeknight family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for satisfying comfort food. Easy to make and freezer-friendly, it’s a great addition to your casserole recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Press meat mixture evenly into the baking dish to form the meatloaf base. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheese until melted. Add cooked macaroni and mix well.
- Remove baking dish from oven. Spread mac and cheese evenly over the meatloaf base.
- Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top. Return to oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
