Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls

• 9×13 baking dish

• Cheese grater

• Skillet or saucepan

• Meat thermometer

• Measuring cups & spoons

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Layer

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef

• 1 egg

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ½ cup milk

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

Step 1 — Preheat
Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.

Step 2 — Make the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, combine:

• ground beef

• egg

• breadcrumbs

• milk

• onion

• garlic powder

• onion powder

• Worcestershire

• salt & pepper

Mix gently — don’t overwork it.

Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your casserole dish.

Spread a thin layer of ketchup on top.

Bake 15 minutes to partially cook.

Step 3 — Make the Homemade Mac & Cheese
While the meatloaf bakes:

1. Melt butter in a pot

2. Whisk in flour to form a roux

3. Add milk and whisk until creamy

4. Stir in cheese, paprika, mustard powder, salt & pepper

5. Mix in cooked macaroni
   

(OR you can use boxed mac & cheese to save time — Pinterest moms love this shortcut!)

Step 4 — Layer the Casserole
Remove meatloaf from oven.

Spread the mac & cheese evenly on top.

Sprinkle extra cheddar over the top.

Step 5 — Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until:

✔ cheese is melted & golden
✔ edges are bubbly
✔ internal temp is 160°F (meatloaf fully cooked)

Step 6 — Serve

Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing like a layered casserole.

For the Mac & Cheese Layer

• 3 cups cooked macaroni (or shells)

• 2 cups shredded cheddar

• 1 cup milk

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional — adds flavor!)

• ½ tsp paprika

• Pinch of salt & pepper