Description
Craving a cozy, indulgent dinner that checks every comfort food box? This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf is the ultimate mashup of creamy macaroni and cheese baked over a juicy, savory meatloaf. With its golden, cheesy top and tender beef base, it’s a family-favorite that delivers on both flavor and nostalgia. Perfect for easy dinner ideas, this dish is a satisfying solution when you need something hearty, quick, and crowd-pleasing. From weeknight meals to potluck favorites, this easy recipe fits every occasion—giving you the best of both classic dishes in one irresistible slice.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.
3. Press meat mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes.
4. Cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Gradually add milk while whisking.
6. Add cheddar cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and melted.
7. Combine cheese sauce with macaroni.
8. Spread mac and cheese over baked meatloaf.
9. Return to oven for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
10. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a crispy top if desired.
11. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a layer of BBQ sauce over the meatloaf before baking.
Use freshly shredded cheddar for the creamiest mac and cheese layer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: easy dinner, comfort food, meatloaf with mac and cheese, weeknight meals