Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole (Printable)
Classic meatloaf meets creamy mac and cheese in this hearty baked casserole.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meatloaf Layer
01 - 1 ½ lbs ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
05 - 1 large egg
06 - ¼ cup whole milk
07 - 2 tbsp ketchup
08 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tsp salt
10 - ½ tsp black pepper
→ Mac and Cheese Layer
11 - 8 oz elbow macaroni
12 - 2 cups whole milk
13 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
14 - ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
16 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
17 - ½ tsp paprika
18 - ½ tsp dry mustard
19 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Topping
20 - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
21 - ¼ cup panko or regular breadcrumbs
22 - 1 tbsp melted butter
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined without overworking the meat.
03 - Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes until partially cooked through.
04 - While the meatloaf bakes, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
05 - In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.
06 - Stir the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, dry mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper into the sauce until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Fold in the cooked macaroni and mix until evenly coated.
07 - Spread the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the partially baked meatloaf layer in the baking dish.
08 - In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
09 - Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is cooked through and bubbling.
10 - Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It solves the eternal dinner dilemma of choosing between two comfort foods by stacking them on top of each other.
- The cheese sauce seeps down into the meatloaf while baking and creates this incredible layer you never knew you needed.
02 -
- Drain the fat off the meatloaf layer before adding the mac and cheese or your final dish will have a greasy layer separating the two halves.
- Undercook the pasta by one minute because it absorbs sauce while baking and you do not want mushy noodles.
03 -
- Wet your hands slightly before pressing the meat mixture into the pan. It prevents sticking and helps you get an even layer without tearing.
- Shred your own cheese from a block instead of using pre shredded bags. The anti caking powder on bagged cheese makes the sauce grainy instead of smooth.