Mac Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
This Mac Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines the hearty flavors of meatloaf with creamy, cheesy macaroni, baked together for a comforting and satisfying dish. Ground beef is seasoned and baked as a base, then topped with rich homemade mac and cheese and extra cheddar for a golden crust. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Base
- 500 g ground beef
- 50 g breadcrumbs
- 60 ml milk
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 60 ml ketchup
Mac and Cheese Topping
- 200 g elbow macaroni, cooked according to package instructions
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 480 ml whole milk
- 200 g shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Base: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Mix until just combined, then press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish forming a flat layer.
- Bake the Meatloaf Base: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the meatloaf base for 15 minutes while preparing the mac and cheese topping.
- Prepare the Mac and Cheese: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add mustard powder if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Remove the meatloaf base from the oven. Evenly spread the prepared mac and cheese over the meatloaf base. Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Return the assembled casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using whole milk in the cheese sauce helps achieve a creamy texture; low-fat milk can be substituted but may result in a thinner sauce.
- Mustard powder is optional but adds a subtle tang that enhances the cheese flavor.
- Make sure not to overmix the meatloaf ingredients to keep the texture tender.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
Keywords: mac cheese meatloaf, casseroles, comfort food, baked mac and cheese, ground beef casserole
