You’re in for a comfort food triple threat with this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole — layers of juicy meatloaf, creamy mac and cheese, and a golden cheesy topping all baked together. It’s the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or indulging in leftovers.
🍽️ Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
📝 Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Layer:
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1½ lbs ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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¼ cup milk
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½ small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper
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½ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping if desired)
For the Mac and Cheese:
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2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 cups milk
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2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: pinch of paprika or mustard powder
Topping:
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½–1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
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Optional: parsley or chives for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
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Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Meatloaf Base
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, seasonings, and ketchup.
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Press evenly into the bottom of the baking dish to form a uniform layer.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through and starting to brown on top.
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Drain any excess grease carefully if needed.
3. Prepare the Mac and Cheese
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While the meatloaf is baking, boil the pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
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Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
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Stir in cheese until melted and smooth. Season to taste.
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Add cooked pasta and mix until well coated.
4. Assemble the Casserole
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Spread the mac and cheese evenly over the cooked meatloaf base.
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Sprinkle with additional shredded cheese on top.
5. Bake Again
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Return to oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Rest & Serve
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Let sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
🔄 Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the meatloaf or cheese sauce.
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BBQ Twist: Replace ketchup with BBQ sauce in the meat layer.
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Veggie Boost: Mix in chopped spinach, peas, or bell peppers to the mac layer.
🧊 Make Ahead & Storage
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Assemble and refrigerate up to 1 day before baking.
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Leftovers keep 3–4 days in the fridge or can be frozen (tightly wrapped) for up to 2 months.
Want a gluten-free, bacon-loaded, or one-pan stovetop version next?