A hearty layered casserole combining juicy meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese—comfort food in every bite.
Meatloaf Layer:
1 ½ lbs ground beef
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
2 eggs
½ cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup ketchup
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Mac and Cheese:
2 cups elbow macaroni
4 tbsp butter
¼ cup flour
2 cups whole milk
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dry mustard (optional)
Optional Topping:
½ cup shredded cheddar
Crushed crackers or panko (optional)
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch dish.
Mix meatloaf ingredients and press evenly into the dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
Cook pasta until al dente; drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then milk. Thicken, add cheese, and stir until smooth.
Combine cheese sauce with pasta.
Drain fat from meatloaf if needed. Layer mac and cheese over the meatloaf.
Add optional toppings. Bake another 20 minutes until bubbly.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Use leaner meat for a lighter option.
Freeze before final bake for a make-ahead meal.