Savory Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Recipe: Cozy Comfort on a Plate

Hearty mac and cheese meatloaf brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

This classic dish refines two beloved favorites into one satisfying meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Creamy pasta and savory ground meat combine in a perfect marriage of textures and flavors.

Rich ingredients meld together, creating a nostalgic yet innovative dining experience that surprises and delights.

Families gather around the table, eager to slice into this mouthwatering creation that promises both familiarity and excitement.

Cheesy, meaty, and incredibly satisfying, this recipe elevates traditional comfort food with its ingenious combination of ingredients.

Prepare to fall in love with a dish that redefines home-style cooking and brings smiles to hungry faces.

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf: Comfort Food Redefined

• Savor Comfort Food Fusion: This recipe brilliantly combines two classic favorites – hearty meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese – creating a mouthwatering one-dish meal that satisfies ultimate comfort food cravings.
• Master Easy Layered Cooking: The step-by-step method allows home cooks to effortlessly create a restaurant-quality dish with simple techniques like making a roux, perfectly coating pasta, and achieving a golden crispy topping.
• Enjoy Texture Wonderland: Every bite delivers a delightful contrast between the rich, tender meatloaf base and the creamy, cheesy macaroni layer, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb and cheese crust that adds exciting textural dimension.
• Perfect for Family Gatherings: This crowd-pleasing casserole works wonderfully for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and family celebrations, offering a substantial and delicious meal that brings everyone together around the table.

Ingredients for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Lean meat that creates the hearty foundation of the meatloaf with rich flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Light, dry crumbs that help bind the meat mixture and provide tender texture.
• Eggs: Essential binding agent that holds the meatloaf ingredients together.
• Onion: Fresh ingredient that adds depth and aromatic sweetness to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Powerful ingredient that enhances the overall savory profile of the meatloaf.

• Milk: Creamy liquid that helps create smooth and rich cheese sauce.
• Butter: Rich dairy product that forms the base of the roux and adds luxurious flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that provides the classic mac and cheese taste.
• Mustard Powder: Subtle spice that adds tangy complexity to the cheese sauce.

• Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and enhances all other flavors.
• Black Pepper: Warm spice that adds gentle heat and depth to the dish.
• Breadcrumbs: Crunchy topping that creates golden, crispy texture on the casserole.
• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for capturing creamy cheese sauce.

How to Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Meatloaf Base

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Onions
• Garlic
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Cook Macaroni Perfectly

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until tender. Drain completely and set aside.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Mustard powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook and stir until sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and blend in of shredded cheddar cheese until silky smooth.

Step 5: Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

Fold drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 6: Layer and Top the Casserole

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Breadcrumbs

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Best Tips for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf

• Meat Mixing Mastery: Use your hands to gently combine meatloaf ingredients for even distribution without overworking the meat, which keeps it tender and juicy.
• Cheese Sauce Smoothness: Whisk the roux constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth sauce that coats the macaroni perfectly.
• Moisture Magic: Add a splash of milk or beef broth to the meatloaf mixture to ensure it stays moist and doesn't become dry during baking.
• Topping Crunch Control: Toast breadcrumbs in a skillet before sprinkling on top for extra golden, crispy texture that adds delightful crunch to the dish.
• Rest and Set Strategy: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set, making cutting and serving much easier and preventing it from falling apart.

Storing and Reheating Mac and Cheese Meatloaf

• Refrigeration: Store leftover mac and cheese meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Protect the dish from absorbing other food odors by using a sealed container with a secure lid.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for extra protection. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a date label on the package to track storage time. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.

Pairing Mac and Cheese Meatloaf

• Pair with Zesty Red Wine: Complement the rich, meaty flavors of the mac and cheese meatloaf with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. These robust red wines cut through the creamy cheese and enhance the savory meat layers.
• Crisp Salad Sidekick: Balance the hearty casserole with a light, tangy green salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a bright vinaigrette. The fresh crunch provides a perfect contrast to the dense, cheesy main dish.
• Roasted Vegetable Companion: Add roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus with a hint of garlic. These caramelized veggies bring a subtle sweetness and nutritional boost to the meal, creating a well-rounded dinner experience.
• Cool Craft Beer Match: Select a hoppy IPA or a malty amber ale to stand up to the rich, cheesy meatloaf. The beer's carbonation helps cleanse the palate between each delicious bite, making every mouthful feel fresh and exciting.

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Variations

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños, chili powder, and Mexican blend cheese to the meatloaf mixture. Top with crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
• Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes into the meatloaf. Use a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for the cheese sauce.
• BBQ Ranch Mashup: Mix BBQ sauce into the meatloaf and sprinkle crispy bacon bits throughout. Replace half the cheddar with ranch-flavored cheese and garnish with green onions.
• Veggie Power Boost: Blend grated zucchini and carrots into the meatloaf for added nutrition. Use whole wheat pasta and add roasted bell peppers to the mac and cheese layer for extra veggie goodness.

Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Delight Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets innovation in this mac and cheese meatloaf, blending classic American dinner traditions into one hearty dish. Creamy pasta nestled within savory ground beef creates a rich, satisfying meal guaranteed to comfort hungry diners at your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

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

Dry Ingredients:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ cup breadcrumbs

Liquid and Cheese Ingredients:

• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 cups milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and applying a light coating of grease to a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend all meatloaf ingredients until uniformly combined, ensuring no dry pockets remain. Gently press the meat mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish, creating an even foundational layer.
3. Fill a large pot with salted water and cook the elbow macaroni according to package guidance, aiming for a perfectly tender texture. Once cooked, drain completely and set aside.
4. Initiate the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Introduce flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to develop a smooth roux. Gradually incorporate milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper, stirring consistently until the mixture thickens and reaches a velvety consistency (approximately 5-7 minutes).
5. Remove the sauce from heat and fold in of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the mixture becomes glossy and uniform.
6. Carefully fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is lavishly coated with the creamy mixture.
7. Spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly over the meatloaf layer, creating a harmonious two-layer casserole.
8. Distribute the remaining half-cup of cheddar cheese and quarter-cup of breadcrumbs across the top, providing a golden, crispy finish.
9. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a beautifully bronzed and bubbling surface that signals complete cooking.

Notes

• Simplify your cooking by preparing all ingredients before starting, ensuring a smooth and stress-free preparation process.
• Layer flavors strategically: the meatloaf base provides a hearty foundation, while the creamy mac and cheese topping adds luxurious comfort.
• Achieve the perfect roux by stirring butter and flour continuously, which prevents burning and creates a smooth sauce base.
• Choose sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor punch and a rich, tangy taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Breadcrumb topping creates a delightful crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mac and cheese layer.
• Rest the casserole for 10 minutes after baking to allow layers to set and make serving easier without falling apart.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 542 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg