Cozy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Delight Recipe for Family Dinners

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mac and cheese meatloaf that blends hearty flavors into one irresistible dish.

Juicy ground beef mingles perfectly with creamy pasta and rich cheese for a mouthwatering experience.

Every bite promises a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

The recipe combines classic American favorites into a single, satisfying meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Crispy edges and a golden-brown top add an extra layer of deliciousness to this crowd-pleasing creation.

Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort to create a show-stopping main course.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this ultimate comfort food fusion.

Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this sensational mac and cheese meatloaf that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 7

Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Ingredient Breakdown

• Ground Beef: Brings hearty protein and rich flavor, choose lean cuts for a healthier twist.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds texture and helps bind ingredients, select fresh or homemade for better moisture.
• Eggs: Acts as a natural binder, ensuring the meatloaf holds together perfectly.
• Onion: Provides sweet and aromatic depth, select fresh and crisp for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Delivers a punchy taste, opt for fresh cloves for more robust notes.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning, use freshly ground for vibrant taste.

• Butter: Creates smooth base for sauce, choose unsalted for better control of salt.
• Flour: Thickens sauce and creates silky texture, use all-purpose for consistent results.
• Milk: Provides creamy foundation, whole milk offers richer consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, tangy flavor, select aged varieties for deeper taste.
• Mustard Powder: Adds subtle tang and complexity, freshly ground offers more intensity.

• Extra Cheddar Cheese: Provides golden, melty layer, sharp varieties work best.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy, crunchy surface, panko works wonderfully for extra crispness.

Tools You’ll Want for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining meatloaf ingredients and mixing thoroughly.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for layering meatloaf and mac and cheese.
• Saucepan: Used for creating creamy cheese sauce with smooth consistency.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending roux and creating lump-free cheese sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked macaroni effectively.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix ingredients and stir cheese sauce.
• Pot: Required for boiling water and cooking macaroni.

Step Through Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Process

• Comfort Zone Prep

Warm up the kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy 350F. Grab a big baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Meaty Foundation

Mix ground meat with seasonings using your hands. Gently press the mixture into the baking dish, creating a hearty base that’ll make everyone smile.

• Pasta Magic

Boil water and cook pasta until it’s tender. Drain and let it rest while you work on the next delicious step.

• Creamy Cheese Transformation

Melt butter in a pan, then whisk in flour to create a silky base. Pour in milk and spices, stirring until the sauce turns thick and dreamy. Fold in cheese until it becomes a smooth, golden blanket.

• Flavor Fusion

Pour the cheesy goodness over the meat layer, making sure every inch is covered in creamy deliciousness.

• Crispy Crown

Sprinkle extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy, golden finish.

• Oven Adventure

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges start to bubble with excitement.

Tweaks to Try with Mac and Cheese Meatloaf

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish light and flavorful.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like gouda, monterey jack, or pepper jack to create a unique and exciting flavor profile.
• Sneak in finely chopped vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini into the meatloaf mixture for added nutrition and color.
• Add a kick by mixing in diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the meatloaf or cheese sauce for those who love a little heat.
• For an extra crunchy top, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling over the casserole for a golden, crisp finish.

Serving Mac and Cheese Meatloaf

• Serve Alongside Fresh Greens: Pair this hearty dish with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy flavors of the mac and cheese meatloaf.
• Complement with Tangy Condiments: Offer zesty sides like pickles, coleslaw, or homemade ketchup to cut through the dish's richness and add a burst of fresh flavor.
• Create a Comfort Food Feast: Round out the meal with roasted vegetables like broccoli or glazed carrots to add nutrition and color to this indulgent main course.
• Enhance with Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Pinot Noir to beautifully complement the savory meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese layers.

Storage Guide for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover mac and cheese meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezer-friendly for up to 2 months, providing quick and convenient meal options when you're short on time.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in the oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore moisture and prevent the dish from becoming tough.
• Portion and Pack Wisely: Divide cooled meatloaf into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Label containers with the date to track freshness and ensure optimal taste when reheating.

Comforting Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Savory mac and cheese meatloaf combines classic comfort foods in one hearty dish. Home cooks can elevate weeknight dinners with this creamy, cheesy, meaty masterpiece that brings families together around the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a welcoming environment for the culinary masterpiece.
2. Meatloaf Foundation: Blend meatloaf ingredients thoroughly in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution, then gently press into the prepared dish, crafting a uniform base layer.
3. Pasta Transformation: Cook elbow macaroni in salted water until perfectly tender, drain completely, and set aside for the upcoming creamy fusion.
4. Sauce Alchemy: Craft a velvety cheese sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour to create a smooth roux, then gradually introducing milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir consistently until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, thickened sauce.
5. Cheese Infusion: Remove sauce from heat and incorporate shredded cheddar, stirring until the mixture achieves a glossy, uniform consistency.
6. Layering Technique: Fold macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated, then spread the mixture evenly over the meatloaf base.
7. Crispy Finale: Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs across the top, creating a golden, crunchy crown.
8. Baking Perfection: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bronzed, bubbling surface that signals culinary completion.

Notes

• Meat Mixing Mastery: Ensure thorough blending of meatloaf ingredients to prevent dry spots and create a uniform texture that holds together perfectly.
• Roux Perfection: Whisk flour and butter carefully for 1-2 minutes to develop a smooth base that prevents lumpy cheese sauce and ensures silky consistency.
• Cheese Coating Technique: Gently fold macaroni into cheese sauce, making sure every pasta piece gets completely and evenly covered for maximum flavor impact.
• Baking Brilliance: Watch the dish closely during the final 25-30 minutes, looking for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges that indicate complete cooking and optimal texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg