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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf combines the hearty flavors of meatloaf with creamy macaroni and cheese, making it a delicious twist on classic comfort foods, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf
  • 2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 small onion (finely diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Mac and Cheese Filling
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (cooked and drained)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5 loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare Mac and Cheese: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth, then simmer until it thickens slightly. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix in cooked macaroni and set aside to cool slightly.
Assembling the Meatloaf
  1. Make Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix just until combined (don’t overwork).
  2. Assemble: Press half of the meat mixture into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Spread the mac and cheese evenly on top, leaving about ½ inch around the edges. Cover with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges well.
Baking
  1. Bake: Spread a thin layer of ketchup on top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Serving
  1. Rest & Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatloaf ingredients; this keeps it tender. For added flavor, you can mix in your favorite spices or herbs into the meat mixture. Feel free to use different types of cheese in the mac and cheese component to customize the flavor.