Irresistible Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole – Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner

Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole was born on one of those evenings when I wanted dinner to feel like a hug—warm, familiar, and deeply comforting. I remember standing in my kitchen after a long workday at DishWhirl, thinking about the meals that shaped my love for cooking. My grandmother’s baked macaroni and cheese, bubbling and golden. My mother’s classic meatloaf, sliced thick and served with a smile. Those memories inspired me to combine both into one unforgettable comfort dish.

As a recipe developer and editor at DishWhirl, I’m always blending memory with creativity. That night, I wondered what would happen if these two comfort-food icons became one dish. After several test runs—adjusting the cheese sauce, balancing the seasoning in the meatloaf, and perfecting the bake time—this Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole quickly became a family favorite and a reader-loved recipe trusted by home cooks.

I’m Lily Anne Bakehart, a passionate home cook who believes food should feel like home. My philosophy is simple: make it warm, make it easy, make it feel like love. Every recipe I share is tested, refined, and written with real kitchens in mind. This Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is budget-friendly, family-approved, and ideal for weeknights when you want something hearty without complicated steps.

This dish isn’t just a recipe—it’s a story of connection, comfort, and creativity. And I’m so excited to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love This Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

This Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole checks every box for comfort-food lovers:

• Two classics in one pan – Creamy macaroni and cheese layered with savory, juicy meatloaf
• Incredibly filling – A complete meal with protein, carbs, and cheesy goodness
• Family-friendly – Even picky eaters love this combination
• Budget-conscious – Simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have
• Perfect for leftovers – Reheats beautifully for next-day lunches
• Easier than traditional meatloaf + sides – One casserole dish, less cleanup

Compared to making meatloaf and mac and cheese separately, this casserole saves time and delivers even more flavor in every bite. It’s also more exciting than standard baked pasta dishes, thanks to the seasoned meat layer that adds depth and richness.

Ingredients for Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

For the Meatloaf Layer

• 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or ground chicken works well—just add an extra tablespoon of oil or milk to keep it moist. This flexibility makes the casserole adaptable without sacrificing comfort.

For the Macaroni and Cheese Layer

• 3 cups elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2½ cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp mustard powder (optional, enhances cheese flavor)

Cooking the pasta just until al dente is key. This prevents the macaroni from becoming mushy while baking—a common concern when making layered casseroles like this.

Optional Topping

• ½ cup shredded cheddar or Colby-Jack cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions for Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Base

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently just until combined—overmixing can make the meatloaf dense, which affects the final texture of the Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole.

Press the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. This partial bake is essential for ensuring the meatloaf layer sets properly before assembling the Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Macaroni

While the meatloaf bakes, cook the macaroni in well-salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Avoid overcooking—the pasta will continue to soften as the Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole finishes baking in the oven.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened. Reduce heat and stir in the cheeses, salt, pepper, and mustard powder until creamy and velvety.

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated, creating the rich, creamy layer that defines a great Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Carefully spread the macaroni and cheese layer over the partially baked meatloaf, making sure it reaches all edges for even layers in the Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. Sprinkle with extra cheese if desired.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Return the dish to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top. Let the Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps the layers set beautifully and ensures clean servings.

Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

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• Author: Lily Anne Bakehart
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings

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Description

A cozy, family-favorite Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole that layers juicy meatloaf with creamy, cheesy pasta—perfect for comforting weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Layer

• 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup milk

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

  For the Macaroni and Cheese Layer

  • 3 cups elbow macaroni, cooked al dente

  • 3 tbsp butter

  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 2½ cups whole milk

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • ¼ tsp mustard powder (optional, enhances cheese flavor)

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F.

• Prepare and partially bake meatloaf.

• Cook macaroni al dente.

• Make cheese sauce and combine with pasta.

• Layer macaroni over meatloaf.

• Bake until bubbly and golden.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Helpful Expert Tips for the Best Results

• Prevent soggy pasta: Always undercook the macaroni slightly.
• Keep the meatloaf juicy: Use meat with some fat or add milk if using lean meats.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
• Storage: Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.

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Conclusion

Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is everything comfort food should be—warm, hearty, easy, and full of love. It brings together two nostalgic favorites into one satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment, share it with someone you love, or save it for your next comfort-food craving. Remember—simple ingredients, big love, and meals that bring people together.

If you enjoy comforting baked pasta dishes, you may also love our Chicken Spinach Stuffed Shells—another cozy, family-approved favorite on DishWhirl.