Cozy Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe For Family Dinners

Crafting a delightful mac and cheese meatloaf casserole promises pure comfort on your dinner plate.

Creamy pasta meets hearty ground beef in a mouthwatering fusion of classic flavors.

Layers of melted cheese and seasoned meat create an irresistible harmony that feels like a warm embrace.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Crispy edges and tender center make each bite a delectable experience.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every incredible mouthful!

Why Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Is A Comfort Food Win

• Comfort Crafting: Transform ordinary ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds with warmth and nostalgia.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Enjoy a minimal-prep recipe that lets the oven do most of the work, giving you more time to relax while a delicious dinner comes together.
• Kid-Approved Delight: Pack protein and pasta into one dish that children will love, making mealtime a stress-free experience for parents seeking crowd-pleasing options.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this casserole adapts easily to different dining scenarios and serves multiple people with one simple preparation.

What Goes Into Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful protein that forms the core of the casserole.

• Eggs: Helps bind the meat mixture together and adds richness.
• Breadcrumbs, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Provide seasoning and help create a cohesive meat mixture.

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that adds texture and substance to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, creamy flavor and melts beautifully throughout the casserole.
• Milk: Adds moisture and creates a creamy consistency to the casserole.

• Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright flavor and visual appeal to the finished dish.
• Additional Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden topping for extra texture.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures the casserole doesn't stick to the baking dish.

How To Make Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni until it reaches al dente texture. Drain and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix Meat Base

• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Blend thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Incorporate Pasta and Cheese

Gently fold the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture, ensuring even coverage.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Move the meat and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing down gently to create a uniform layer.

Step 6: Add Moisture

Pour milk evenly across the surface of the meat mixture to enhance richness and prevent dryness.

Step 7: Create Cheese Layer

Sprinkle additional shredded cheese over the entire casserole, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 8: Add Crispy Topping

Dust the cheese layer with remaining breadcrumbs to create a golden, crunchy exterior.

Step 9: Bake the Casserole

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Look for an internal temperature of 160°F and a deep golden-brown top.

Step 10: Rest and Settle

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and flavors to meld.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a bright, fresh finish before serving.

Helpful Tips For Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Meat Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure ground beef reaches 160°F for food safety, preventing any potential bacterial risks.
• Pasta Texture Tip: Cook macaroni just until al dente to avoid mushy texture, as it will continue cooking during baking.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Grate cheese fresh for better melting and more even distribution throughout the casserole.
• Breadcrumb Crunch Trick: Toast breadcrumbs briefly before adding to create an extra crispy, golden-brown topping that adds delightful texture.
• Herb Enhancement: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano mixed into the meat mixture for added depth of flavor.

Fun Spins On Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Vegetarian Comfort: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, keeping the same cheesy, comforting texture while making the dish meat-free.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or almond meal, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the meal.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired version of the classic casserole.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute elbow macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the rich, hearty flavor profile.

Perfect Sides With Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole, cutting through its hearty texture with smooth tannins.
• Create Zesty Side Salad: Toss together a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness, introducing a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare garlic-infused roasted broccoli or asparagus as a nutritious side dish, adding color and providing a light, nutritional counterpoint to the protein-packed main course.
• Complement with Craft Beer: Choose a malty amber ale or hoppy IPA that stands up to the casserole's robust flavor profile, enhancing the overall dining experience with its complementary taste notes.

How To Store Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cooled casserole in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying.

FAQs For Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, the combination of ground beef, pasta, and cheese makes this casserole a crowd-pleaser for children. The mild seasonings and familiar ingredients ensure most kids will enjoy this meal.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni works best, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like shells or rotini that hold the meat mixture well.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Consider using lean ground beef, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add finely chopped vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutritional value.

Comforting Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort classics merge in this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, blending hearty ground beef with creamy pasta perfection. Cheesy layers and savory meat create a satisfying dinner that promises to become a family favorite when you need delicious comfort on a plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk

Binding and Seasoning:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp garlic powder

Topping and Garnish:

• 1 cup additional shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, thoroughly blending the ingredients until well incorporated.
4. Fold the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
5. Transfer the combined meat and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing down gently to create an even layer.
6. Pour milk evenly over the surface of the meat mixture to enhance moisture and richness.
7. Sprinkle the additional shredded cheese across the top of the casserole, creating a complete coverage.
8. Dust the cheese layer with the remaining breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden topping.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the top turns a deep golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, adding a bright, fresh element to the dish.

Notes

• Ensure meat mixture is well-mixed to prevent dry, dense texture and guarantee even seasoning throughout the loaf.
• Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease while maintaining moisture and flavor intensity.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like monterey jack or gruyère for unique flavor profiles and creamy consistency.
• Allow casserole to rest exactly 10 minutes post-baking to help structural integrity and prevent crumbling when serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 530
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg