Ultimate Mac & Cheese Meatloaf: A Comfort Food Dream Come True
If there’s one thing I can never resist, it’s a good old-fashioned meatloaf. But what if we took it up a notch? Imagine biting into a juicy, well-seasoned meatloaf, only to find creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese packed inside. That’s exactly what this Mac & Cheese Meatloaf delivers—a perfect marriage of two ultimate comfort foods.
It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking to impress the family on a weeknight or bring a show-stopping dish to a potluck, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s super easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two comfort foods in one – Meatloaf and mac & cheese? Yes, please!
- Juicy and cheesy – The combination of tender meat and creamy cheese makes each bite irresistible.
- Easy to make – Only a few basic ingredients and simple prep steps.
- Great for leftovers – This meatloaf slices up perfectly for sandwiches the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 50 mins)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups cooked macaroni and cheese (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make the Ultimate Mac & Cheese Meatloaf
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. I like to use my hands for this—it ensures everything is evenly distributed.
3. Assemble the Meatloaf
Take half of the meat mixture and press it into the bottom of the loaf pan, creating a well in the center. Spoon the mac & cheese into the middle, spreading it out evenly but leaving space around the edges. Cover with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges to keep the mac & cheese tucked inside.
4. Bake Until Perfectly Cooked
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked. To ensure it’s done, use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should read 160°F (70°C).
5. Let It Rest & Slice
Once baked, let the meatloaf cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape and allows the cheese to set slightly.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve your Mac & Cheese Meatloaf warm with extra ketchup or barbecue sauce on the side. Pair it with a side of roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or even more mac & cheese for the ultimate comfort meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Mac & Cheese Meatloaf
- Use creamy mac & cheese – The creamier, the better! If it’s too dry, the filling won’t be as gooey and delicious.
- Add extra cheese – Want even more cheesy goodness? Mix some shredded cheddar into the meat mixture or sprinkle some on top before baking.
- Make it spicier – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for a little heat.
- Swap out the beef – Ground turkey or pork works just as well if you prefer a different protein.
Delicious Variations to Try
If you want to switch things up, here are a few creative ways to make this dish even more exciting:
- Bacon-Wrapped Mac & Cheese Meatloaf – Wrap the meatloaf in bacon before baking for extra flavor and crunch.
- BBQ Mac & Cheese Meatloaf – Swap the ketchup for BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.
- Buffalo Mac & Cheese Meatloaf – Add buffalo sauce to the mac & cheese and drizzle some ranch on top before serving.
- Taco-Inspired Meatloaf – Season the meat with taco seasoning and use queso-style mac & cheese for a Tex-Mex twist.
What to Serve with Mac & Cheese Meatloaf
Since this dish is already packed with flavor, it pairs well with simple sides. Here are a few great options:
- Steamed or roasted veggies – Green beans, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add a fresh contrast.
- Garlic mashed potatoes – Because more comfort food is always a good idea!
- Simple side salad – A crisp, refreshing salad with ranch or balsamic dressing balances the richness of the meatloaf.
- Cornbread – A Southern-style addition that makes this meal feel even more indulgent.
FAQs About Mac & Cheese Meatloaf
Q: Can I use store-bought mac & cheese?
A: Yes! While homemade is always great, boxed mac & cheese works just fine for this recipe. Just make sure it’s extra creamy.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for a quick meal.
Q: Can I freeze this meatloaf?
A: Absolutely! Wrap the cooked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the meatloaf up to a day in advance, cover it, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
A Must-Try for Comfort Food Lovers
This Mac & Cheese Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food mashup that brings two all-time favorites together in one delicious bite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a fun twist on a classic, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Give it a try and let me know what you think! Would you add any extra toppings or twists? I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!
Ultimate Mac & Cheese Meatloaf: The Comfort Food Mashup You Need
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 4 cups milk
- 4 cups ketchup
- 1 cup macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix cooked macaroni, milk, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Take half of the meat mixture and press it into a loaf pan to create the base.
- Layer the macaroni and cheese mixture on top of the meat base.
- Top with the remaining meat mixture, covering the macaroni completely.
- Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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