Comfort-food classic meets cheesy indulgence
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf is the ultimate cozy, family-friendly dinner—rich, hearty beef meatloaf topped with creamy, golden mac and cheese. It brings together two beloved comfort dishes in one ultra-satisfying bite! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because the prep is simple, the ingredients are pantry-friendly, and the entire meal bakes in one dish. Expect a crispy-edged meatloaf base, a super creamy mac layer on top, and leftovers that reheat beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for kids, guests, or simply craving something nostalgic, this cheesy meatloaf mashup always delivers big flavor and big smiles.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
📝 Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Base
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
For the Mac and Cheese Topping
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Mixing bowls
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Medium saucepan (for cheese sauce)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Whisk
- 9×5 loaf pan or small baking dish
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Sharp knife & cutting board
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside. - Mix the meatloaf:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, garlic, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until everything is evenly incorporated. - Shape & bake the meatloaf:
Press the mixture into a loaf pan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes. - Make the cheese sauce:
While the meatloaf bakes 😊, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. - Combine:
Toss the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated. - Top the meatloaf:
Remove meatloaf from oven and spoon the mac and cheese evenly on top. - Final bake:
Return to oven for 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden 😍. - Rest & serve:
Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing so the layers hold together.
💡 Pro Tips
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 325°F for best moisture.
- Make ahead: Prepare meatloaf and mac separately, refrigerate, then assemble and bake when ready.
- Cheese swap: Cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack or a cheddar–mozzarella blend adds extra creaminess.
- Add-ins: Stir crispy beef bacon, green chiles, or caramelized onions into the mac for bonus flavor.