Cozy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Family Night

Comfort meets creativity in this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole that promises a hearty meal packed with flavor.

Creamy pasta layers mingle with savory ground beef, creating a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Cheesy goodness binds each bite together in a way that feels both familiar and exciting.

Home cooks will adore how simple ingredients combine to make something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Melted cheese, tender meat, and perfectly cooked pasta guarantee smiles around the table.

You won’t be able to resist digging into this irresistible casserole that brings together two beloved favorites in one spectacular meal.

Why Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Combines Two Favorites

• Satisfy Comfort Food Cravings: Dive into a hearty dish that combines the classic comfort of mac and cheese with the robust flavors of meatloaf, creating a satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: This one-pan wonder eliminates multiple cooking steps, allowing you to mix ingredients quickly and bake everything together without complicated techniques or extensive kitchen skills.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Children and adults alike will love the familiar flavors of cheese, meat, and pasta blended into a delicious casserole that offers something for everyone at the dinner table.
• Minimal Clean-Up Required: Using a single baking dish means fewer pots and pans to wash, making this recipe a stress-free option for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal kitchen mess.

Ingredients for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: Lean protein that forms the foundation of the meatloaf layer in the casserole.
• Egg: Helps bind the meat mixture together and provides structure.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender meat mixture.
• Bread Crumbs: Provides texture and helps hold the meat mixture together.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the meat mixture.

• Macaroni: Classic pasta that creates a hearty and comforting base for the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds rich flavor and creamy texture to the dish.
• Condensed Tomato Soup: Creates a tangy and moist topping that adds moisture and depth to the casserole.

• Aluminum Foil: Helps cover the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

Step-by-Step Guide to Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Crank the oven to a cozy 350F (175C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Create the Meaty Magic

• Ground beef
• Egg
• Milk
• Bread crumbs
• Salt
• Pepper

Dive in with your hands and mix everything until it’s perfectly blended and smooth.

Step 3: Build the Meaty Foundation

Press the meat mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating an even layer that’ll be the base of your delicious casserole.

Step 4: Macaroni Cheese Layer

Spread the cooked macaroni over the meat mixture, creating a carb-loaded blanket of goodness.

Step 5: Cheese Shower

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the macaroni, ensuring every bite will be cheesy and awesome.

Step 6: Tomato Soup Drizzle

Pour the condensed tomato soup over the top, creating a tangy and rich sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 7: Foil Covered Baking

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, letting all the flavors mingle and merge.

Step 8: Cheese Melt Finale

Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven. Bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set. Then slice, serve, and enjoy your ultimate comfort food masterpiece.

Expert Tips for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter texture in the meatloaf layer.
• Customize the cheese blend by mixing different types like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack for more complex flavor profiles.
• Prevent dry meatloaf by adding a splash of extra milk or using a meat mixture with slightly higher fat content for moisture retention.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for those with dietary restrictions.
• Enhance the tomato soup layer by stirring in fresh herbs like basil or oregano to elevate the overall taste and add brightness to the dish.

Variations to Switch Up Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Southwestern Fiesta: Swap cheddar with pepper jack cheese, add diced green chiles, and top with crushed tortilla chips for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Italian Herb Fusion: Mix ground beef with Italian seasoning, replace tomato soup with marinara, sprinkle with mozzarella, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
• Bacon Lover's Dream: Crumble crispy bacon into the meat mixture, use smoked cheddar cheese, and drizzle with bacon-infused ranch dressing before serving.
• Greek-Style Remix: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, add chopped spinach to the meat mixture, and season with oregano and garlic for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Best Pairings to Serve With Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Pair Tangy Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Merlot to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole. The wine's acidity cuts through the dish's heavy creaminess while enhancing its savory profile.
• Serve Crisp Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's hearty texture. The fresh, peppery greens provide a refreshing contrast to the dense, cheesy main dish.
• Roast Garlic Bread Sides: Prepare crusty garlic bread with herb-infused butter to soak up the tomato soup and cheese sauce. The crunchy, garlicky edges perfectly match the casserole's robust flavors and add textural variety.

How to Store Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole stays fresh and delicious.
• Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out.

FAQs About Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, mac and cheese meatloaf casserole is perfect for children. The combination of familiar comfort foods like ground beef, macaroni, and cheese makes it appealing to kids of all ages.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork based on your preference or dietary needs. Each meat will bring a slightly different flavor to the dish.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Consider using lean ground meat, whole wheat breadcrumbs, low-fat cheese, and adding some diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value. You can also use reduced-sodium tomato soup.

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort classic mac and cheese meatloaf casserole brings hearty southern-style cooking to your dinner table. Creamy pasta and savory meat blend perfectly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 egg

Starch and Carbohydrates:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) bread crumbs
• 2 cups (480 grams) cooked macaroni

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can condensed tomato soup
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Blend ground beef with egg, milk, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper until thoroughly incorporated, ensuring uniform texture and seasoning.
2. Transfer the meat mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, pressing evenly across the bottom to create a compact base layer.
3. Distribute cooked macaroni uniformly over the meat foundation, creating a consistent pasta coverage.
4. Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the macaroni layer, ensuring comprehensive cheese distribution.
5. Gently cascade condensed tomato soup over the entire casserole surface, allowing it to seep between cheese and pasta layers.
6. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, then slide into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 45 minutes, which enables thorough internal cooking.
7. Remove foil and return to oven for an additional 15 minutes, allowing cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, slightly crispy top.
8. Allow casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from oven, enabling flavors to settle and making serving easier.

Notes

• Swap bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Mix in diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value and add extra texture and flavor to the meat layer.
• Use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce overall fat content while maintaining the dish’s hearty character.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or smoked gouda for more complex flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 474 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg