Dinner

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

ByMarina Montclair December 4, 2025December 4, 2025

Introduction

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole brings together two classic comfort foods into one hearty, satisfying dish. This recipe combines a savory meatloaf base with creamy macaroni and cheese, baked to perfection. It’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

The image shows a close-up of a thick slice of baked macaroni and cheese with ground beef. The bottom layer consists of small tube-shaped macaroni, soft and coated in a light yellow cheesy sauce. Above the macaroni is a thick middle layer of finely crumbled ground beef, brown and meaty with a slightly crumbly texture. The top layer is a golden-brown baked cheese crust, bubbly with darker toasted spots, covering the macaroni and beef underneath. The dish is placed on a white plate with a white marbled textured background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 cups uncooked macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1/4 cup milk (for meatloaf)
2 tbsp butter (for cheese sauce)
2 cups milk (for cheese sauce)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dry mustard
2 tbsp flour

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/4 cup milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Press the mixture into a greased baking dish evenly.
Step 3: Bake the meatloaf layer for 20 minutes to begin cooking.
Step 4: While the meatloaf is baking, cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: To prepare the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about one minute to form a roux.
Step 6: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dry mustard. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 7: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, then pour this mixture evenly over the partially baked meatloaf in the dish. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese on top.
Step 8: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sauté the diced onion before adding it to the meat mixture.
Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a creamier texture and milder flavor.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meatloaf base.
Add chopped cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms to the cheese sauce for added richness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the cheese sauce.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a thick, square slice of baked macaroni and cheese with ground beef mixed inside. The bottom layer is yellowish macaroni pasta with a creamy, cheesy texture. The middle layer is a brown, crumbly cooked ground beef filling spread evenly through the pasta. The top layer is a golden-brown melted cheese crust with slight bubbling and toasted spots. The dish sits on a white plate, with a small part of a woman's hand visible, holding the plate on the left side. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to keep the dish gluten-free. Also, make sure the flour in the cheese sauce is replaced with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.