Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole (Print Version)

Creamy macaroni and cheese layered over juicy meatloaf makes a satisfying and cozy main course.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meatloaf Layer

01 - 450 g ground beef
02 - 75 g onion, finely diced
03 - 30 g breadcrumbs
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 60 ml milk
06 - 1 tsp salt
07 - 0.5 tsp black pepper

→ Mac and Cheese

08 - 200 g elbow macaroni, uncooked
09 - 200 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
10 - 28 g unsalted butter
11 - 16 g all-purpose flour
12 - 480 ml milk
13 - 0.5 tsp salt
14 - 0.25 tsp black pepper
15 - 0.5 tsp paprika
16 - 0.5 tsp dry mustard

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 175°C. Lightly grease a 23×33 cm baking dish.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just incorporated.
03 - Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a single layer. Bake for 20 minutes.
04 - While the meatloaf bakes, cook macaroni in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
05 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes. Stir in salt, black pepper, paprika, and dry mustard.
06 - Add 150 g of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth. Gently fold in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated.
07 - Spread the macaroni and cheese mixture over the partially baked meatloaf layer. Sprinkle the remaining 50 g cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
08 - Return the dish to the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden, melted, and bubbling.
09 - Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses everyday ingredients often already in your pantry
  • Combines two comfort favorites in one dish
  • Kid-friendly and easily feeds a group
  • Reheats beautifully for next-day lunches
02 -
  • Rich in protein and satisfying for all ages
  • Leftovers make great next day lunches or dinners
  • Works as a freezer meal for busy weeks
03 -
  • Press the meatloaf gently so it stays tender not dense
  • Grate your own cheese for best melting it is worth the few extra minutes
  • Let the casserole rest before slicing so each layer holds together neatly

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