why make this recipe
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines two beloved comfort foods — creamy macaroni and cheese and savory meatloaf — into one easy, family-friendly dish. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. If you like one-pan meals that please picky eaters, this casserole delivers.
introduction
This casserole layers seasoned ground beef with cheesy macaroni, then bakes under a tangy ketchup and barbecue glaze for an irresistible finish. It’s forgiving to substitutions and reheats well. If you enjoy casseroles like the fully loaded classic chili cheese dog casserole, you’ll appreciate the crowd-pleasing simplicity here.
how to make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
This recipe is essentially a cheesy meatloaf mixed with cooked macaroni, baked in a casserole dish and topped with a sweet-tangy sauce. The main steps are mixing the ingredients, spreading into a dish, topping with sauce, and baking until set and bubbly.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and barbecue sauce. Pour the sauce evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes, or until the casserole is cooked through and the top is bubbly.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
how to serve Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Serve slices or scoops hot, straight from the casserole dish. It pairs nicely with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or buttery dinner rolls. For a little brightness, add a spoonful of pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
how to store Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Refrigerator: Cool completely, cover tightly, and store up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish covered at 350°F until warmed through.
- Freezer: Freeze portions or the whole casserole (well-wrapped) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Use slightly undercooked macaroni so it doesn’t become mushy during baking.
- Drain excess grease from the beef if you use fattier ground meat to prevent a soggy casserole.
- To boost flavor, sauté the onion and garlic first until softened and translucent.
- For a creamier texture, stir in an extra 1/4 cup of milk or a splash of cream. Also check out another crowd-pleasing casserole idea at this recipe for inspiration on mix-ins and toppings.
variation (if any)
- Swap cheddar for a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder melt.
- Substitute ground turkey or a beef–pork mix for different flavor profiles.
- Stir in cooked diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or chopped bacon for extra texture.
- Make it spicy with chopped jalapeños or cayenne in the beef mixture.
FAQ
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes — assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking from chilled.
Q: Can I use leftover macaroni and cheese?
A: Absolutely — just fold it into the meat mixture and proceed. Reduce added milk slightly if the leftover mac and cheese is already very saucy.
Q: How do I know it’s done?
A: The casserole is done when the center is hot (internal temp ~160°F for ground beef) and the top is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
Conclusion
For more pictures, tips, and similar recipes, see this detailed write-up on Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole | The English Kitchen and an alternate slow-cooker take at Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole – 365 Days of Slow Cooking ….
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and barbecue sauce. Pour the sauce evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes, or until the casserole is cooked through and the top is bubbly.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
