Print

Creamy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

creamy mac and cheese meatloaf casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting casserole combining creamy mac and cheese baked right into a juicy meatloaf base, perfect for cozy dinners and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1/2 lb (225 g) ground pork
  • 1 cup (90 g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups (200 g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (170 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (110 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 6-7 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth and nutty-smelling.
  4. Slowly whisk in 2 cups whole milk, stirring constantly until sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted. Season with dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
  5. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
  6. Fold cooked macaroni into the meatloaf mixture evenly. Pour cheese sauce over the mixture and fold gently to coat.
  7. Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish and smooth the top.
  8. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
  9. Bake for 45-50 minutes until meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature 160°F / 71°C) and topping is golden brown.
  10. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid tough meatloaf. Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F. Tent with foil if topping browns too quickly. Let casserole rest before serving for easier slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, meatloaf, casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy, family meal

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/creamy-mac-and-cheese-meatloaf-casserole-easy-recipe-for-comfort-food-bliss/