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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Ultimate comfort food combining hearty meatloaf base with creamy mac and cheese topping, perfect for family dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf Base
  • 2 lbs ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 large onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.25 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
Mac and Cheese Layer
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper optional
Topping
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • paprika for dusting

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Large saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Large pot for pasta

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, drain well and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  4. Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of prepared baking dish, creating uniform layer.
  5. Bake the meatloaf base for 20 minutes, then remove from oven and carefully drain any excess grease.
  6. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  7. Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue cooking and stirring until sauce thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  8. Remove sauce from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until completely melted. Season with salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
  9. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, stirring until every piece of pasta is well coated.
  10. Spread mac and cheese mixture evenly over partially cooked meatloaf base, creating thick, even layer.
  11. Sprinkle additional cup of cheddar cheese over top of casserole, ensuring even coverage.
  12. Return to oven and bake for additional 25-30 minutes, until cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
  13. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and paprika.
  14. Cut into squares and serve hot, ensuring each portion includes both meatloaf base and mac and cheese layers.

Notes

For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms to meatloaf mixture or try different cheese varieties like Gruyere. Casserole freezes well for up to 3 months when properly wrapped. Reheat in 325°F oven until heated through.