The Juiciest Mac And Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Have you ever craved a hearty mac and cheese-stuffed meatloaf casserole that promises pure comfort?

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable combination of classic favorites.

Layers of creamy pasta and savory ground meat create an irresistible meal that feels like a warm hug.

Rich flavors meld together in each mouthwatering bite, blending two beloved dishes into one incredible creation.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the gooey goodness nestled between perfectly seasoned meat.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe a weeknight dinner champion.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this ultimate culinary mashup that guarantees smiles around the table.

Mac and Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf Casserole To Impress

• Craft a Comfort Food Masterpiece: This mac and cheese-stuffed meatloaf casserole transforms two classic dishes into an incredible one-pan wonder that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: By combining meatloaf and mac and cheese in a single dish, you'll save precious kitchen time and reduce cleanup, making dinner preparation a breeze.
• Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing Meals: This hearty casserole delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction, ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or feeding hungry guests with minimal fuss.
• Customize with Ease: Feel free to experiment by adding extra herbs, switching cheese varieties, or incorporating different protein options to make this recipe uniquely yours.

Ingredients to Create Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that forms the foundation of the meatloaf with rich, savory flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meat mixture and provide a light, tender texture.
• Egg: Serves as a crucial binding agent to hold the meatloaf ingredients together.

• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: Add depth and tangy sweetness to the meat mixture.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Provide essential seasoning and aromatic profile to the meatloaf.

• Butter: Creates a smooth base for the cheese sauce and adds richness.
• Flour: Used to make a roux and thicken the cheese sauce.
• Milk: Provides the liquid base for the creamy cheese sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, melty cheese flavor to the sauce.
• Macaroni: The classic pasta that forms the core of the mac and cheese layer.
• Mustard Powder: Offers a subtle, sharp undertone to the cheese sauce.
• Extra Shredded Cheese, Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy, golden topping for the casserole.

How to Bake Mac and Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Create Meaty Base

Crank up the oven to 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil.

In a big mixing bowl, toss in ground beef, breadcrumbs, a cracked egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to smoosh and blend everything together until it’s well mixed.

Press this meaty mixture into the bottom of the baking dish, creating an even layer. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until it’s partially cooked through.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheese Sauce

While the meatloaf is getting a head start in the oven, start on the mac and cheese. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1-2 minutes to create a golden roux. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mustard powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir until the cheese melts into a smooth, dreamy sauce.

Fold in the cooked macaroni, coating every single noodle with cheesy goodness.

Step 3: Layer and Top the Casserole

Pull the partially cooked meatloaf out of the oven.

Carefully spread the mac and cheese mixture over the top, creating a beautiful cheesy blanket. Sprinkle an extra handful of shredded cheese and breadcrumbs on top for a crispy, golden crown.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole back into the oven for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and a fully cooked meatloaf that’s bubbling with cheesy excitement.

Step 5: Serve and Devour

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes – this helps it set and makes cutting easier. Scoop out generous portions and prepare for a flavor explosion that combines the comfort of meatloaf with the creamy decadence of mac and cheese.

Tips for Perfectly Moist Mac and Cheese Meatloaf

• Mix ground beef with ground pork or turkey for enhanced flavor and moisture, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Use room temperature cheese for smoother melting and prevent grainy sauce by adding cheese gradually and stirring continuously.
• Toast breadcrumbs before mixing with meatloaf to add extra crunch and nutty depth to the overall dish.
• Create even layers by using a spatula to spread meatloaf and mac and cheese mixture, ensuring uniform cooking and balanced bite.
• Experiment with herbs like thyme or smoked paprika to elevate the flavor complexity without overwhelming the main ingredients.

Creative Twists on Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Southwestern Spice Blend: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Mix in crumbled feta, chopped spinach, and sprinkle oregano and basil into the meatloaf for a Greek-style variation.
• BBQ Ranch Comfort: Swap ketchup with BBQ sauce, mix ranch seasoning into the meat, and top with crispy bacon bits for a tangy, smoky profile.
• Italian Meatloaf Remix: Incorporate ground Italian sausage, use mozzarella cheese, add Italian herbs, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for an authentic Mediterranean taste.

Pairings That Go Perfect With Meatloaf Casserole

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel that complements the rich, meaty flavors and cuts through the creamy cheese.
• Crisp Green Salad Companion: Create a tangy mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the heavy, indulgent casserole and provide fresh contrast.
• Cool Beer Sidekick: Choose a malty amber ale or hoppy IPA that stands up to the intense flavors and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Pickle Plate Accent: Serve with quick-pickled vegetables like cornichons or spicy pickled onions to add bright, acidic notes that enhance the dish's richness.

Best Storage Methods for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Stop when thoroughly heated.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, mac and cheese-stuffed meatloaf is perfect for kids. The cheesy macaroni and flavorful meatloaf create a comforting meal that most children love. It combines two classic favorites into one delicious dish.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Each meat will bring a slightly different flavor to the casserole while maintaining the overall delicious profile.

• How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Ground beef should reach 160F (71C) to ensure it’s safely cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center to make sure there’s no pink meat remaining.

Mac And Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort classics collide in this mac and cheese-stuffed meatloaf casserole, blending hearty proteins with creamy pasta. Layers of savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and pasta create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Protein:

• 1 pound (453.6 grams) ground beef

Meatloaf Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Cheese Layer:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 375F (190C) oven and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with grease for optimal cooking surface.
2. Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, ensuring thorough incorporation of all ingredients.
3. Distribute the meat mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer that will serve as the casserole’s foundation.
4. Roast the initial meat layer for 20-25 minutes, allowing it to partially cook and develop initial flavor structure.
5. Meanwhile, craft the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, creating a smooth roux by incorporating flour and cooking for 1-2 minutes.
6. Gradually introduce milk to the roux, whisking consistently until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer and thickens within 3-4 minutes.
7. Integrate shredded cheddar cheese, mustard powder, salt, and pepper into the sauce, stirring until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
8. Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece becomes thoroughly coated.
9. Extract the partially cooked meat layer from the oven and carefully spread the mac and cheese mixture across the surface.
10. Enhance the casserole by sprinkling additional shredded cheese and breadcrumbs, creating a textured, crispy topping.
11. Return the assembled casserole to the 375F oven, baking for 15-20 minutes until the surface turns golden and the meatloaf completes cooking.
12. Allow the casserole to rest for several minutes before serving, enabling flavors to settle and making cutting easier.

Notes

• Enhance meat mixture tenderness by avoiding overmixing, which can make the meatloaf tough and dense.
• Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to prevent excessive greasiness while maintaining flavor and moisture.
• Consider adding finely grated Parmesan cheese to the meatloaf mixture for extra depth and savory undertones.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or pepper jack for varied mac and cheese flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 555 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg