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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: Easy Family Dinner Recipe

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This comforting casserole combines a juicy meatloaf base with creamy, gooey mac and cheese, topped with a crunchy, golden breadcrumb and cheddar layer. It’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko; gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%; dairy-free works)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (or small shells; whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (whole recommended)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • 1/3 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  4. Press meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top.
  5. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  6. While meatloaf bakes, cook elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente (about 7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  7. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  8. Slowly pour in milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  9. Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and ground mustard. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  10. Mix cooked pasta into cheese sauce until noodles are coated.
  11. Remove meatloaf from oven. Spoon mac and cheese mixture evenly over meatloaf layer.
  12. In a small bowl, mix shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over mac and cheese layer.
  13. Return casserole to oven, uncovered, and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbling and topping is golden. Center should register at least 160°F (71°C).
  14. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
  15. Slice into squares and serve hot.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meatloaf for best texture. Shred your own cheese for better melt. If cheese browns too quickly, tent with foil. Rest casserole before slicing for clean edges. Easily adaptable for gluten-free, vegetarian, or dairy-free diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, meatloaf casserole, comfort food, family dinner, easy casserole, kid-friendly, cheesy casserole, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/mac-and-cheese-meatloaf-casserole-easy-family-dinner-recipe/