Creamy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf
A tender meatloaf blended with creamy macaroni and cheese for a soft, rich interior and comforting family-style dinner.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium Saucepan
- Whisk
- Loaf pan or baking sheet
- Spatula
- Knife
Ingredients
Meatloaf Base
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp ketchup
Creamy Mac and Cheese
- 1 cup cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup milk or light cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a loaf pan or baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl and let soften.
- Mix ground beef, softened breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, parsley, and ketchup until just combined.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then slowly whisk in milk or cream until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until smooth, then add cooked macaroni and mix well.
- Gently fold one-third of the mac and cheese into the meat mixture.
- Press half of the meat mixture into the prepared pan, add remaining mac and cheese, then cover with the rest of the meat mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 55 to 65 minutes until fully cooked and set.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Keep the cheese sauce slightly loose before baking so the meatloaf stays creamy after cooking.