Of course! This is the ultimate comfort food mashup: Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. It combines two classic dishes into one incredibly hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal.
This recipe layers a flavorful, juicy meatloaf with a creamy, from-scratch mac and cheese, all baked together until bubbly and golden.
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
This casserole is a full meal in one dish, perfect for feeding a family or a crowd.
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Layer:
· 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor)
· 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
· 1 small onion, finely diced
· 1 large egg
· 2 tbsp ketchup
· 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
· 1 tsp salt
· ½ tsp black pepper
For the Mac and Cheese Layer:
· 8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni or cavatappi
· 3 tbsp unsalted butter
· 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
· 2 cups whole milk, warmed
· 1 cup heavy cream or additional milk
· 2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
· 1 cup (4 oz) shredded Gruyère, Fontina, or Monterey Jack cheese
· ½ tsp garlic powder
· ½ tsp dry mustard (optional)
· Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Topping:
· ¼ cup ketchup or BBQ sauce
· 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, mix with ketchup/BBQ sauce)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
· Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente (it will cook more in the oven). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Layer:
· Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
· In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko, diced onion, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
· Use your hands to mix just until combined. Do not overmix, or the meatloaf can become tough.
· Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid base layer.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
· While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
· Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it smells slightly nutty and is bubbly. This is your roux.
· Gradually whisk in the warm milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer (about 3-5 minutes).
· Remove from the heat. Stir in 1 ½ cups of the cheddar cheese and all of the Gruyère (or other cheese) until melted and smooth.
· Season the sauce with garlic powder, dry mustard (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Combine Mac and Cheese:
· Add the cooked, drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is coated.
- Assemble the Casserole:
· Pour the cheesy macaroni evenly over the raw meatloaf base in the baking dish.
· Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
· In a small bowl, mix the ketchup (or BBQ sauce) with the brown sugar. Drizzle or spread this mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Bake:
· Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 160°F / 71°C) and the top is golden and bubbly.
· If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes.
- Rest and Serve:
· Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve.
Tips for the Best Casserole
· Don’t Overmix the Meat: Handle the meatloaf mixture as little as possible for a tender result.
· Warm the Milk: Using warm milk prevents the sauce from being lumpy and helps it thicken evenly.
· Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite melting cheeses. A combination of a sharp cheese (like cheddar) and a great melter (like Fontina or Gouda) is perfect.
· Add Veggies: Sneak in some finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms into the meatloaf mixture, or stir a cup of thawed frozen peas into the mac and cheese before assembling.
· Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture.
This is the definition of hearty comfort food. Enjoy