Description

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines two comfort food favorites into one hearty, crowd-pleasing dish. A savory meatloaf base is topped with creamy, cheesy macaroni for the ultimate all-in-one weeknight dinner recipe.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Layer:

1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
15 Ritz-style crackers, crushed
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
1/2 small onion, finely diced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Mac and Cheese Layer:

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed crackers, egg, milk, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until just combined.
Press meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form a meatloaf base. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
Stir in cheddar cheese and season with salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce.
Remove meatloaf from oven and carefully spread mac and cheese over the top. Sprinkle Parmesan if using.
Return to oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until top is bubbly and golden.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use seasoned breadcrumbs instead of crackers if preferred.
Add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a kick.
Ground turkey or chicken can substitute for beef.