Our easy mac and cheese meatloaf casserole is a fun, family-friendly dinner that kids will adore. Ground beef forms a flavorful base, and you can top it with homemade macaroni and cheese or a boxed version like Kraft — both ways work and taste great.
This recipe combines two comfort-food favorites into one crowd-pleasing casserole. Below I’ll share tips to keep the meatloaf moist, how to prepare the pasta topping, and options for customizing the dish to your family’s taste.
If you have a trusted meatloaf recipe, use it for the base. I include a simple version here if you don’t — similar to my BBQ meatloaf but neutral enough to pair with the cheesy pasta. Once the meat is seasoned and shaped, we’ll move on to the cheesy topping.
You can certainly use boxed mac and cheese for convenience, but I often make a quick from-scratch macaroni and cheese (I sometimes use the Ninja Foodi method) when I have time. Either approach is delicious and popular with kids and adults alike.
Ingredient Notes
Start with 1 pound of lean ground beef. You could substitute half the beef with spicy sausage for heat, but lean ground beef usually yields less grease and a cleaner texture in the oven.
Italian breadcrumbs and an egg act as binders so the meat layer holds together and cooks through evenly. If you prefer, use an alternative binder such as stovetop stuffing or plain breadcrumbs.
Season the meat with Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Black pepper or a pinch of chili flakes can be added if you want a bit of heat.
The macaroni and cheese topping should be cooked until tender before spreading over the partially baked meatloaf. Finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese so the top melts and browns nicely in the oven.
Variations
This casserole is flexible. Use any meatloaf recipe for the bottom layer—add chili powder, dry Sriracha, or diced jalapeños for a spicy version. For the topping, you can use boxed macaroni, a quick homemade cheese sauce, or a large microwaveable frozen mac and cheese if short on time.
How to Make the Mac and Cheese
Homemade mac and cheese is rich and creamy and can be made ahead and kept warm until the meatloaf is partially baked. Boxed mac and cheese is an easy and fast option you can prepare while the meat cooks. You can also use a frozen mac and cheese entrée (11 oz or larger) warmed in the microwave for the topping.
How Long to Cook Meatloaf Casserole
This casserole bakes in two stages for the best texture. Total oven time is about 45 minutes. While the meat starts baking (about 30 minutes), prepare your macaroni and cheese — boxed takes around 20 minutes from start to finish, frozen will take less time to heat. After topping the meatloaf with mac and cheese and extra shredded cheddar, return it to the oven for about 15 minutes, until hot through and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
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Equipment
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1 9×9 pan
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1 bowl
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1 pot (if cooking mac and cheese on stove)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup ketchup (or BBQ sauce)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 box macaroni and cheese (prepared)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl combine the ground beef, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup (or BBQ sauce), and beef broth. Reserve the shredded cheese for later.
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Spray a 9×9 pan with nonstick spray. Press the meat mixture evenly into the pan and bake for 30 minutes. While the meat is baking, prepare the macaroni and cheese.
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Remove the pan from the oven and spread the cooked macaroni and cheese over the top, covering the meat layer. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the mac and cheese and return to the oven for about 15 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
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Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.