Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Fusion! 🧁🥖

What happens when two classic American comfort foods collide? You get this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole — a satisfying, family-friendly dish that combines juicy meatloaf with creamy homemade mac and cheese. It’s the kind of hearty meal that turns an ordinary dinner into something unforgettable.

Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy Sunday meals, this casserole is guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

📅 Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6–8

🛍️ Ingredients

Meatloaf Layer

1 ½ lbs ground beef
1 egg
½ cup breadcrumbs
½ onion, finely chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup ketchup

Mac & Cheese Layer

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
Salt and pepper

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
🥩 In a bowl, combine meatloaf ingredients, mix well, and press into the bottom of the dish.
⏰ Bake the meatloaf base for 25 minutes.
🍽️ While it bakes, cook macaroni to al dente. In a saucepan, make a roux with butter and flour, slowly whisk in milk, and then melt in the cheese.
🥛 Spoon the mac & cheese over the partially baked meatloaf and return to the oven for another 20 minutes.
✨ Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a golden, bubbly topping.

❌ Mistakes to Avoid

⛔ Undercooking the meatloaf before adding the mac & cheese leads to raw meat.
⛔ Using pre-shredded cheese can result in grainy sauce.
⛔ Overcooking pasta makes it mushy after baking.

🔥 Bonus Tips & Customizations

🍼 Add caramelized onions or sauteed mushrooms into the meat layer for deeper flavor.
🍜 Try pepper jack or smoked gouda for a twist on the cheese sauce.
🍳 Make it ahead: prep both layers, assemble, refrigerate, then bake when ready!

☕ Serving Suggestion

Serve with a side salad or green beans to balance the richness of this indulgent casserole.