Sizzling Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food takes an unexpected turn with mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, blending two classic favorites into one hearty dish.

Layers of creamy pasta and savory ground beef create a mouthwatering combination that screams home cooking.

Melted cheese blankets the top, promising a golden-brown crust that crackers crisp up perfectly.

Sharp cheddar and tender meat intertwine, delivering rich flavors in every single bite.

Weeknight dinners just became infinitely more exciting with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Simple ingredients and minimal prep time mean you can whip up this delectable meal in under an hour.

Prepare to impress everyone at the table with this ultimate comfort food mashup that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Why Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Is So Cozy

• Conquer Complex Comfort Food: Transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish that feels like a culinary adventure, perfect for home cooks wanting to elevate their meal game.
• Craft Family-Friendly Feast: Combine kid-approved mac and cheese with hearty meatloaf, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both picky eaters and hungry adults with minimal fuss.
• Streamline Weeknight Dinner: Simplify meal preparation by merging two classic recipes into one delicious casserole, reducing cooking time and dirty dishes while maximizing flavor and satisfaction.
• Boost Nutritional Variety: Pack protein from ground beef, calcium from cheese, and carbohydrates from pasta into a single dish, offering a well-rounded meal that provides essential nutrients in one comforting bite.

Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Ingredients List

• Ground Beef: A savory and rich protein that forms the foundation of the meatloaf casserole.

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that provides a comforting and hearty texture to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds richness and depth of flavor.
• Milk: Creates a creamy and smooth consistency in the casserole.
• Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and provides structure to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and savory notes to the meatloaf.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy and umami flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the other ingredients.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps to absorb moisture and provide a tender texture to the meatloaf.

• Barbecue Sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy glaze to the top of the casserole.
• Ketchup, Mustard: Optional condiments that can provide additional flavor complexity.

Steps To Make Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F. This will create the perfect cooking environment for your mouthwatering casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the elbow macaroni until it reaches that perfect tender-but-firm texture. Drain completely and set aside, ready for its cheesy destiny.

Step 3: Sizzle the Meat

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions turn translucent and soft.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Fusion

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Milk
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Worcestershire sauce
• Cooked beef mixture

Stir everything together until it’s perfectly blended and looks absolutely delicious.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and carefully transfer your cheesy meat mixture. Smooth it out evenly, creating a beautiful base for your casserole.

Step 6: Layer on the Flavor

Drizzle barbecue sauce across the top of the casserole. For extra tang, add a zigzag of ketchup and mustard if you’re feeling adventurous.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges start bubbling with excitement.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Slice into generous portions and dive into this ultimate comfort food that combines the best of mac and cheese with hearty meatloaf.

Tips For A Great Meatloaf Casserole Combo

• Boost Meat Flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the beef's richness and depth.
• Prevent Dry Texture: Mix in an extra egg or a splash of milk to keep the meatloaf moist and tender.
• Cheese Variation: Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere for unique flavor profiles.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary needs.

Fun Ways To Tweak Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Vegetarian Mac and Cheese Meatloaf: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat alternatives or lentils for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute macaroni with riced cauliflower or cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra vegetables.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-inspired variation.

Perfect Pairings With This Casserole

• Crisp Green Salad Refresh: Toss a light mixed greens salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the rich, creamy casserole and add refreshing vegetable crunch.
• Bold Red Wine Match: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the hearty meat and cheesy flavors with robust undertones.
• Roasted Vegetable Harmony: Prepare simple roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus to provide a nutritious and flavorful side that balances the casserole's decadence.

Storage Advice For Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Transfer leftover casserole into an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is clean and completely cooled before storing.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the package with the date to track freshness.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned well to maintain flavor.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar cheese provides the most robust flavor, but you can also use mild cheddar or a cheese blend for variety.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids typically love mac and cheese and meatloaf, making this dish a perfect family meal that combines both favorites.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the meat mixture to boost nutritional value without changing the overall taste.

Diner-Style Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets creativity in this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, blending hearty ground beef with creamy pasta in one irresistible dish. Cheesy layers and savory meat combine for a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 large eggs

Pasta and Dairy:

• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk

Seasonings and Binders:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Topping:

• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 350°F, creating the ideal thermal environment for your comfort dish.
2. Submerge macaroni in boiling water, cooking until tender yet firm. Drain thoroughly, setting aside for future incorporation.
3. Transform ground beef in a sizzling skillet, browning the meat to a rich caramel color. Introduce diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatics release their fragrant essence.
4. Merge cooked macaroni with seasoned beef mixture in a generous mixing vessel. Incorporate eggs, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, blending until ingredients harmonize into a cohesive mixture.
5. Coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with protective grease, then gently spread the combined mixture, ensuring an even landscape across the ceramic terrain.
6. Artfully cascade barbecue sauce over the surface, creating a glossy crimson layer. Optional: Embellish with delicate streams of ketchup and mustard for additional flavor complexity.
7. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 30-35 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges signaling culinary perfection.
8. Extract from oven and permit a brief cooling interlude. Slice into generous portions, presenting a comforting marriage of mac and cheese with robust meatloaf characteristics.

Notes

• Customize the Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, keeping the dish protein-packed and diet-friendly.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, gouda, or monterey jack to add unique flavor profiles and create exciting taste combinations.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives and use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the meat mixture to increase nutritional value without compromising the comfort food experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg