Dinner

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

ByLila Prescott March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

Introduction

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines two all-time favorites into one. It’s perfect for a family dinner, offering cheesy, savory flavors with a satisfying texture. Enjoy a warm, homestyle meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.

A close-up view of a slice of baked macaroni and cheese with ground beef layered inside. The bottom layer is elbow macaroni pasta, creamy and light yellow in color, mixed with small pieces of cooked ground beef that add a darker brown layer in the middle. On top, there is a thick, golden-brown layer of melted cheese with spots of slightly darker toasted cheese scattered across the surface. The dish is served on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface, with a silver fork resting nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup macaroni

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup milk

1 onion, chopped
2 eggs

1 cup breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain well.

Step 3: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Add the cooked macaroni and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the meat mixture and stir to combine evenly.
Step 5: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Pour the milk evenly over the top of the meat and pasta mixture.
Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until fully cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
Use sharp cheddar for a richer taste, or mix in some mozzarella for gooey texture.
Try adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added veggies.

To make it lighter, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual servings until hot.

How to Serve

A square slice of macaroni casserole is served on a white plate with a silver fork beside it. The dish has three visible layers: the bottom layer is pale yellow cooked elbow macaroni, the middle layer is a dark, crumbly meat mixture, and the top layer is golden brown melted cheese with a slightly crispy texture on top. The edges show the filling neatly packed together. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

This casserole freezes well. Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.