Two classics come together in this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole—a hearty, cheesy, family-friendly dish that layers savory meatloaf with creamy baked mac and cheese. It’s everything you love about comfort food in one bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make – Simple pantry ingredients, baked in one dish.
Family-friendly – A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Perfect for meal prep – Stores and reheats beautifully.

Customizable – Switch up meats, cheeses, or mix in veggies.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Layer:

1 ½ lbs ground beef (or beef + pork blend)
1 small onion, finely diced
½ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
1 large egg
¼ cup ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the Mac and Cheese Layer:

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp mustard powder
Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional Topping:

½ cup shredded cheese
¼ cup crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Meatloaf Base

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a bowl, combine beef, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire, and seasonings. Mix gently.
Press evenly into the baking dish.

2. Cook the Macaroni

Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente (6–7 minutes). Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour, cooking for 1 minute.
Gradually add milk, whisking until thickened (3–4 minutes).
Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Fold in cooked macaroni.

4. Assemble & Bake

Spread mac and cheese over the meatloaf base.
Top with extra cheese or crispy onions if desired.
Bake 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

👉 Pro Tip: For a crispy top, broil for 1–2 minutes before serving.

Flavor Variations

Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the meatloaf.

Italian Twist – Use provolone and Parmesan with Italian herbs.
Veggie Boost – Mix broccoli, peas, or spinach into the mac and cheese.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Refrigerate unbaked casserole for up to 1 day (add 5–10 mins to baking).

Freeze before or after baking for up to 1 month. Thaw before reheating.
Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Troubleshooting

Meatloaf too dense? Don’t overmix.

Mac and cheese too dry? Add ¼ cup more milk before baking.
Soggy bottom? Pre-bake meatloaf layer for 10 minutes before topping.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey?
Yes—add 1 tbsp olive oil to keep it moist.

What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
Use crushed crackers, panko, or oats.

Can I shortcut with boxed mac and cheese?
Absolutely—prepare as directed, then layer on top.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish. Cooking time may increase slightly.

Why This Recipe Works

✔ Comfort food mashup—meatloaf + mac and cheese = cozy perfection.
✔ Feeds a crowd—great for potlucks, holidays, or big family dinners.
✔ Kid-approved—cheesy, meaty, and totally satisfying.

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs ground beef

1 small onion, diced
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg

¼ cup ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire
Seasonings (garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper)

2 cups macaroni
2 cups milk
2 cups cheddar cheese

½ cup mozzarella
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour

½ tsp mustard powder
Optional toppings: fried onions or breadcrumbs

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare meatloaf mixture and press into greased 9×13-inch dish.

Bake meatloaf base for 20 minutes.
Cook macaroni and make cheese sauce. Stir together.
Spread mac and cheese over meatloaf. Top with extra cheese/toppings.

Bake 25 minutes until bubbly. Broil briefly for a golden crust.
Let rest 5 minutes, then serve warm.