Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, Parmesan cheese, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix! Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf Layer
Bake for 20 minutes. While it bakes, prepare the macaroni and cheese.
Step 4: Cook the Macaroni
Boil salted water. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes, until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in milk and cook 3-4 minutes, until thickened.
Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese and mustard powder (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and cheese is melted.
Step 6: Assemble & Bake
Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spread cooked macaroni evenly over the meatloaf. Pour cheese sauce over macaroni and gently mix.
Bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. For a golden top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully.
Step 7: Serve!
Let cool 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Cook’s Notes
- Tender Meatloaf: Avoid overmixing the meatloaf ingredients.
- Cheese Sauce: Add a splash of milk if the sauce is too thick.
- Onions: Finely chop onions for even cooking.
Variations
Bacon Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Add 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon to the macaroni and cheese.
Veggie Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Add 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatloaf mixture.
Spicy Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the meatloaf, or use pepper jack cheese in the macaroni.
Serving Suggestions
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Fresh garden salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Make Ahead?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 1 day before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, or adjust baking time.
Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Freezing?
Yes! Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Let us know how yours turns out!
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