Easy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole (One-Pan Family Dinner) 1 Hour

Easy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole (Family Comfort Food Mashup)

Combine two all-time family favorites into one incredible dish with this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. This genius mashup layers savory, seasoned meatloaf with a creamy, homemade cheese sauce and tender macaroni, then bakes it until bubbly and golden. It’s the ultimate one-pan comfort food that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why This Casserole Is a Guaranteed Hit

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser because it solves the “what’s for dinner” dilemma with a familiar, hearty answer. By baking the meatloaf directly in the casserole dish, you create a flavorful base that soaks up the rich cheese sauce. The from-scratch sauce, made with a simple roux, is far superior to boxed mixes and allows you to control the cheesiness. It’s a versatile, make-ahead meal that’s as perfect for a busy Tuesday as it is for a casual potluck.

Simple Swaps to Make It Your Own

This casserole is a fantastic base for creativity. Tailor it to your family’s tastes with these easy ideas:

• Meat: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
• Cheese: Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for great melt, or add gouda for a smoky note.
• Pasta: Any short pasta like cavatappi, shells, or rotini works perfectly.
• Add-Ins: Stir steamed broccoli florets, sautéed spinach, or diced bell peppers into the mac and cheese layer before baking.
• Topping: For extra crunch, sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese before the final bake.

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 45 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Layer:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• ½ cup diced yellow onion
• ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Mac and Cheese Layer:

• 2 cups (about 8 oz) uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dry mustard (optional)

Instructions

Part 1: Prepare & Bake the Meatloaf Base

1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, ¼ cup milk, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined—do not overmix.
3. Form & Bake: Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes.

Part 2: Cook Pasta & Make Cheese Sauce

1. Cook Pasta: While the meatloaf bakes, cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant and golden.
3. Finish Sauce: Gradually whisk in the 2 cups of milk until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Cheese: Remove from heat. Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese along with the ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, paprika, and dry mustard. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Part 3: Assemble & Final Bake

1. Combine: In a large bowl, pour the cheese sauce over the drained, cooked macaroni. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
2. Assemble: Once the meatloaf has baked for 20 minutes, carefully remove it from the oven. Pour the cheesy macaroni mixture over the top, spreading it into an even layer.
3. Top & Bake: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
4. Rest & Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set for cleaner slices.

For more easy and cheesy family casseroles, try our Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits or our Classic Chicken Enchiladas. If you love hearty, all-in-one dinners, our Creamy Sausage Potato Soup is a must-try. This meatloaf casserole is a perfect example of a simple, satisfying mashup, similar to the detailed Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole from Mopy Foods, which explores helpful variations and storage tips.