Description
A comforting and delicious Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole that combines two classic dishes into one hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs ground beef (or mix of beef & pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or plain)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping, optional)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk (warm)
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (for topping)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Grease a deep 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the meatloaf base: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Press evenly into prepared dish to form a flat meatloaf base.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Cook macaroni: While the meatloaf bakes, cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly add warm milk, whisking until smooth and thickened. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, paprika, salt, and pepper until melted and creamy.
- Add cooked macaroni and toss to coat.
- Assemble casserole: Remove partially baked meatloaf from oven. Spread macaroni & cheese evenly over the top.
- Add topping: Mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan. Sprinkle over mac & cheese layer.
- Bake: Return to oven and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until top is golden and bubbly.
- Cool & serve: Let rest 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the meatloaf mixture.
- Feel free to substitute different types of cheese based on your preference.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg