Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Imagine the comforting aroma of savory meatloaf mingling with creamy, cheesy macaroni as it bakes to perfection.

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the epitome of cozy indulgence, effortlessly bringing together two beloved classics in one delightful dish.

Picture the transformation as ground meats meld with spices, and pasta embraces a luscious cheese sauce, creating a harmonious masterpiece.

Let’s bring this irresistible casserole to life and savor the magic.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 medium saucepan
• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 loaf pan
• 1 baking dish
• 1 whisk
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 measuring cup set
• 1 measuring spoon set
• 1 knife
• 1 cutting board

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, you can follow this timeline:

1. Reading and Gathering Ingredients (10 minutes)
   • Read through the recipe and instructions thoroughly.
   • Gather all ingredients and equipment needed for the recipe.
2. Prep Work (20 minutes)
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions (usually takes about 8-10 minutes), then drain.
   • While the pasta is cooking, prepare the meat mixture by combining ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large mixing bowl.
   • Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan and press it down evenly.
3. Prepare Cheese Sauce and Assemble Casserole (20 minutes)
   • In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Whisk in flour to make a roux and gradually add milk while whisking continuously until thickened.
   • Stir in cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
   • Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce.
   • Spread the mac and cheese mixture over the meatloaf in the loaf pan.
   • Sprinkle the top with parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
4. Bake (1 hour)
   • Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.
5. Resting Time (10 minutes)
   • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Additional Tips:

• If you want a crispier topping, consider broiling the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
• Use any remaining time during baking to clean up your workspace and prepare any side dishes you might want to serve with the casserole.

Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.

Recipe Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions and drain.

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan and press down evenly.

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to make a roux.

Gradually add milk to the roux while whisking continuously until thickened.

Stir in cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.

Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.

Spread the mac and cheese mixture over the meatloaf in the loaf pan.

Sprinkle the top with parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 1 hour.

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving Tips

• Steamed Green Beans: A light and fresh side that complements the hearty casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra cheese sauce and adding a crunchy texture.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy dressing balances the richness of the casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: Add color and nutrients with a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables.
• Coleslaw: A tangy and revitalizing side that cuts through the creamy flavors of the dish.

Storage

To store Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, cool completely.

Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.

Freezing

To freeze Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, let it cool completely.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Then store in an airtight container for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power until heated through.

Final Thoughts

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods that promises to satisfy both meat and cheese lovers alike.

With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it offers a perfect balance of taste and texture.

Serve it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Enjoy the comforting taste of this casserole that brings together the best of mac and cheese with the savory goodness of meatloaf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for the Beef and Pork?

You can substitute ground turkey for the beef and pork. Adjust seasoning levels, as turkey has a milder flavor. Guarantee proper cooking temperature, reaching 165°F, to maintain food safety and achieve a moist, flavorful result.

Is There a Gluten-Free Version of This Casserole?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Confirm your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Verify all ingredients’ labels for any hidden gluten.

How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

Replace ground beef and pork with textured vegetable protein or lentils for a vegetarian option. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and guarantee the cheese is vegetarian-friendly. This maintains the dish’s structure while catering to vegetarian preferences.

What Wine Pairs Well With This Casserole?

You’ll want to pair a bold red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Zinfandel, with this dish. Their robust flavors complement the casserole’s savory and cheesy notes, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Can I Use Almond Milk Instead of Whole Milk?

You can substitute almond milk for whole milk, but expect a slightly altered texture and flavor profile. Almond milk’s lower fat content affects creaminess, so consider adding a thickening agent or additional cheese for ideal consistency.

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Medium saucepan
• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 Loaf pan
• 1 Baking dish
• 1 Whisk
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 measuring cup set
• 1 measuring spoon set
• 1 Knife
• 1 Cutting board

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 1 tablespoon parsley chopped

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan and press down evenly.
• In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to make a roux.
• Gradually add milk to the roux while whisking continuously until thickened.
• Stir in cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
• Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
• Spread the mac and cheese mixture over the meatloaf in the loaf pan.
• Sprinkle the top with parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
• Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 1 hour.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a crispier topping, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. To ensure your meatloaf stays moist, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to find your perfect flavor profile.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.