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A close-up shot of a thick slice of Cheesy Macaroni Meatloaf Bake showing the bottom layer of ground beef meatloaf, a thick middle layer of creamy cheddar mac and cheese, and a glossy top layer of barbecue or ketchup glaze.

Cheesy Macaroni Meatloaf Bake

This Cheesy Macaroni Meatloaf Bake combines two classic comfort foods — creamy mac and cheese and juicy meatloaf — into one delicious, family-friendly casserole.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 610
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf Layer
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
Macaroni & Cheese Layer
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk warm
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish to form the meatloaf layer.
  3. Bake the meatloaf layer for 25 minutes, then drain any excess grease.
  4. Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
  5. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
  6. Stir in 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until melted. Add cooked macaroni and mix until coated.
  7. Spread the macaroni and cheese mixture over the baked meatloaf layer. Top with remaining cheese.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a layer of marinara sauce between the meatloaf and macaroni layers. This dish also freezes well for easy weeknight meals!