When comfort food cravings hit hard, nothing satisfies quite like a hearty casserole straight from the oven. Irresistible Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines two all-time favorites—juicy meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese—into one unforgettable baked dish. It’s rich, filling, nostalgic, and guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

This mac and cheese meatloaf casserole is layered for maximum flavor: a savory, well-seasoned meatloaf base topped with ultra-creamy macaroni and cheese, finished with a golden, bubbly cheese crust. Every bite delivers tender beef, cheesy pasta, and classic comfort flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, this casserole proves that sometimes more really is more.

Why This Meatloaf Casserole Works So Well

Meatloaf is known for its savory depth and satisfying texture, while mac and cheese brings creamy indulgence. By layering them together, you get contrast and balance—hearty protein on the bottom and rich, cheesy pasta on top. Baking everything together allows the flavors to meld while keeping each layer distinct.

This dish also reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers and meal prep.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Layer:

1½ lbs ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs
½ cup milk
¼ cup ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika

For the Mac and Cheese Layer:

12 oz elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Optional Topping:

½ cup shredded cheese or breadcrumbs

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large casserole dish.
Prepare the Meatloaf:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix gently until just combined.
Bake the Meatloaf Layer:
Press meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the casserole dish. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from oven.
Cook the Pasta:
While meatloaf bakes, cook macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking until thickened. Stir in cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Casserole:
Stir cooked macaroni into cheese sauce, then spread evenly over partially baked meatloaf.
Bake Until Bubbly:
Sprinkle with extra cheese if desired. Bake 20–25 minutes until hot and golden on top.
Rest & Serve:
Let casserole rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Don’t Overmix the Meatloaf: Keeps it tender.
Al Dente Pasta Is Key: Prevents mushy mac and cheese.
Rest Before Serving: Helps layers hold together.
Cheese Matters: Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor.

Variations

BBQ Twist: Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce in the meatloaf.
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Turkey Version: Use ground turkey instead of beef.
Extra Crunch: Top with buttered breadcrumbs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this family dinner casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. It also pairs well with roasted broccoli or green beans.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
Freezes well when tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

Irresistible Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is comfort food at its finest. Hearty, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, this mashup casserole turns two beloved classics into one unforgettable family favorite.