Print

Crispy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

crispy mac and cheese meatloaf casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

This cozy casserole combines classic meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese in one dish, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. It’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork (optional)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp ketchup (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
  • 2 cups dry elbow macaroni (or any short pasta shape)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (whole is best)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground mustard (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix until just combined.
  3. Press meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the casserole dish. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  5. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly. Cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Stir in cheddar and Colby Jack cheeses, salt, ground mustard, and paprika. Mix until smooth and glossy.
  7. Add drained macaroni to cheese sauce and stir gently to coat. If sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk.
  8. Remove meatloaf layer from oven. Spread macaroni and cheese evenly over meatloaf.
  9. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over mac and cheese layer. Top with chopped parsley if desired.
  10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 more minutes, until top is golden brown and crispy and edges are bubbling. If browning too fast, loosely cover with foil for last 10 minutes.
  11. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to set up and make slicing easier.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF pasta and breadcrumbs. For vegetarian, substitute lentils for meat. Broil at the end for extra crispy topping, but watch closely. Prep meatloaf and cheese sauce ahead for busy nights. Let casserole rest before slicing for best texture. Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, comfort food, family dinner, easy casserole, crispy topping, cheesy meatloaf, cozy recipe

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/crispy-mac-and-cheese-meatloaf-casserole-easy-recipe-for-cozy-family-dinners/