Mac Cheese Meatloaf Casserole (Printable Version)
A hearty one-dish wonder featuring seasoned ground beef topped with creamy macaroni and melted cheddar, baked until golden.
# Everything You’ll Need:
→ For the Meatloaf Base
01 -
500 g ground beef
02 -
50 g breadcrumbs
03 -
60 ml milk
04 -
1 egg
05 -
1 small onion, finely chopped
06 -
1 clove garlic, minced
07 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
08 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 -
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
10 -
60 ml ketchup
→ For the Mac and Cheese Topping
11 -
200 g elbow macaroni, cooked according to package instructions
12 -
2 tablespoons butter
13 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
14 -
480 ml whole milk
15 -
200 g shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
16 -
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
17 -
Salt and pepper, to taste
# Steps to Cook:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 180°C. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Mix until just combined. Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form a flat layer.
03 -
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes while preparing the mac and cheese topping.
04 -
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add mustard powder if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce until well coated.
05 -
Remove the meatloaf base from the oven. Spread the mac and cheese evenly over the meatloaf. Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for a golden crust.
06 -
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
07 -
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
For added flavor, mix some Parmesan or smoked Gouda into the cheese sauce.
02 -
You can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it in the oven; just cover with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
03 -
Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach between the meatloaf and mac and cheese for extra texture and nutrition.