![- 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup cooked macaroni - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juices) Each ingredient plays a vital role in this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole. The ground beef brings protein and heartiness. The cooked macaroni adds a comforting texture. Sharp cheddar cheese gives that signature cheesy flavor. Milk helps keep it moist, while breadcrumbs bind everything together. The Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty kick, and fresh parsley brightens the dish. Eggs are key for binding, ensuring the casserole holds its shape. Garlic and onion powders bring depth without overpowering. For seasoning, adjust salt and pepper to your taste. The diced tomatoes add moisture and a slight acidity. If you want, you can mix in other veggies, too. This list of ingredients comes together to create a cozy meal. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. - Preheat your oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C). - In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked macaroni, and sharp cheddar cheese. - Add milk, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. - Mix until the ingredients are well combined and hold together. - Grease a medium-sized casserole dish and transfer the mixture into it. - Cover with diced tomatoes and bake as directed. This dish blends two classics into one warm, hearty meal. The creamy mac and cheese pairs perfectly with the savory meatloaf. You can find the full recipe to make this lovely casserole in the section above. Enjoy every bite! - Make sure the meatloaf mixture is thick enough to hold together. This helps it slice well. - Let the casserole rest for about ten minutes before slicing. This improves how it looks on the plate. - Serve it warm, and add more fresh parsley on top. This makes it look great. - Pair it with a green salad to add color and crunch. The salad balances the rich flavors. - Use a medium-sized casserole dish for even baking. It helps cook the meatloaf evenly. - For mixing, a large bowl and sturdy spoon work best. This makes prep easy and quick. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} You can easily change the meat in this dish. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef. This keeps the flavor but makes it lighter. You can also switch up the cheese. Using mozzarella or pepper jack adds new tastes. Each cheese brings its own magic to the dish. Want to make your casserole even better? Try adding veggies! Bell peppers or spinach mix right into the meat. They add great color and nutrients. You can also spice things up. Adding paprika or cayenne pepper gives it a fun kick. Just a little can change the whole flavor. If you need to make it gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs. It still tastes great! For those avoiding dairy, there are options too. You can use almond milk and dairy-free cheese. This way, everyone can enjoy the comfort of mac and cheese meatloaf casserole. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! To keep your mac and cheese meatloaf casserole fresh, cool it first. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge. Make sure to eat it within three to four days. When reheating, use the oven for best results. Preheat to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Microwaving may dry it out. Heat in short bursts and check often. Yes, you can freeze the casserole! After it cools, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C). Remove the plastic wrap and cover with foil. Bake for about 60 minutes or until hot all the way through. In the fridge, the casserole lasts for about three to four days. If you freeze it, it can last for up to three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Enjoy this comforting meal when you can! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To keep your meatloaf casserole moist, use fresh ground beef. The fat in the beef adds flavor and moisture. You can also mix in ingredients like milk and eggs. These help bind the mixture and keep it tender. Avoid overcooking it. Check the internal temperature, which should reach 160Ā°F (71Ā°C). Letting it rest after baking helps retain moisture too. Yes, you can prep this casserole in advance. Mix all the ingredients and place them in the casserole dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, just remove the wrap and bake as per the [Full Recipe]. This saves time on busy days. This casserole pairs well with many sides. A fresh green salad adds color and crunch. You can also serve steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, garlic bread complements the flavors well. Consider a simple coleslaw for a nice contrast in texture. To check if your casserole is done, use a meat thermometer. The thickest part should reach 160Ā°F (71Ā°C). If you do not have a thermometer, look for clear juices. The top should be lightly browned and firm to the touch. If the center feels soft, give it a bit more time in the oven. This blog post covered how to make a tasty mac and cheese meatloaf casserole. We discussed key ingredients like ground beef, macaroni, and cheddar cheese. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and important tips for success. Consider fun variations to keep things exciting and ways to store leftovers. With these insights, you'll create a flavorful dish that friends and family will love. Enjoy your cooking journey and make this meal your own!](https://toastedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/63d5c95d-15e7-41ad-a53d-13b3db2b1370.webp)
Craving comfort food that hits the spot? Look no further! This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole blends flavors you love into one easy dish. Ground beef, creamy mac and cheese, and cheesy goodness come together in a warm embrace. Perfect for family dinners, this dish is fun to make and even better to eat. Ready to dive in and delight your taste buds? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup cooked macaroni
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Additional Ingredients
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
Seasoning and Optional Ingredients
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
Each ingredient plays a vital role in this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole. The ground beef brings protein and heartiness. The cooked macaroni adds a comforting texture. Sharp cheddar cheese gives that signature cheesy flavor. Milk helps keep it moist, while breadcrumbs bind everything together.
The Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty kick, and fresh parsley brightens the dish. Eggs are key for binding, ensuring the casserole holds its shape. Garlic and onion powders bring depth without overpowering.
For seasoning, adjust salt and pepper to your taste. The diced tomatoes add moisture and a slight acidity. If you want, you can mix in other veggies, too.
This list of ingredients comes together to create a cozy meal. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked macaroni, and sharp cheddar cheese.
Mixing Ingredients
– Add milk, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
– Mix until the ingredients are well combined and hold together.
Cooking Steps
– Grease a medium-sized casserole dish and transfer the mixture into it.
– Cover with diced tomatoes and bake as directed.
This dish blends two classics into one warm, hearty meal. The creamy mac and cheese pairs perfectly with the savory meatloaf. You can find the full recipe to make this lovely casserole in the section above. Enjoy every bite!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
– Make sure the meatloaf mixture is thick enough to hold together. This helps it slice well.
– Let the casserole rest for about ten minutes before slicing. This improves how it looks on the plate.
Serving Suggestions
– Serve it warm, and add more fresh parsley on top. This makes it look great.
– Pair it with a green salad to add color and crunch. The salad balances the rich flavors.
Equipment Recommendations
– Use a medium-sized casserole dish for even baking. It helps cook the meatloaf evenly.
– For mixing, a large bowl and sturdy spoon work best. This makes prep easy and quick.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can easily change the meat in this dish. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef. This keeps the flavor but makes it lighter. You can also switch up the cheese. Using mozzarella or pepper jack adds new tastes. Each cheese brings its own magic to the dish.
Add-ins and Enhancements
Want to make your casserole even better? Try adding veggies! Bell peppers or spinach mix right into the meat. They add great color and nutrients. You can also spice things up. Adding paprika or cayenne pepper gives it a fun kick. Just a little can change the whole flavor.
Dietary Adaptations
If you need to make it gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs. It still tastes great! For those avoiding dairy, there are options too. You can use almond milk and dairy-free cheese. This way, everyone can enjoy the comfort of mac and cheese meatloaf casserole. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas!
Storage Info
Storage Guidelines
To keep your mac and cheese meatloaf casserole fresh, cool it first. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge. Make sure to eat it within three to four days.
When reheating, use the oven for best results. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Microwaving may dry it out. Heat in short bursts and check often.
Freezing Instructions
Yes, you can freeze the casserole! After it cools, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight.
To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and cover with foil. Bake for about 60 minutes or until hot all the way through.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, the casserole lasts for about three to four days. If you freeze it, it can last for up to three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Enjoy this comforting meal when you can! For more details, check the Full Recipe.
FAQs
How do I prevent my meatloaf casserole from being dry?
To keep your meatloaf casserole moist, use fresh ground beef. The fat in the beef adds flavor and moisture. You can also mix in ingredients like milk and eggs. These help bind the mixture and keep it tender. Avoid overcooking it. Check the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F (71°C). Letting it rest after baking helps retain moisture too.
Can I make mac and cheese meatloaf casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep this casserole in advance. Mix all the ingredients and place them in the casserole dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, just remove the wrap and bake as per the [Full Recipe]. This saves time on busy days.
What can I serve with mac and cheese meatloaf casserole?
This casserole pairs well with many sides. A fresh green salad adds color and crunch. You can also serve steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, garlic bread complements the flavors well. Consider a simple coleslaw for a nice contrast in texture.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
To check if your casserole is done, use a meat thermometer. The thickest part should reach 160°F (71°C). If you do not have a thermometer, look for clear juices. The top should be lightly browned and firm to the touch. If the center feels soft, give it a bit more time in the oven.
This blog post covered how to make a tasty mac and cheese meatloaf casserole. We discussed key ingredients like ground beef, macaroni, and cheddar cheese. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and important tips for success. Consider fun variations to keep things exciting and ways to store leftovers.
With these insights, you’ll create a flavorful dish that friends and family will love. Enjoy your cooking journey and make this meal your own!
![- 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup cooked macaroni - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juices) Each ingredient plays a vital role in this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole. The ground beef brings protein and heartiness. The cooked macaroni adds a comforting texture. Sharp cheddar cheese gives that signature cheesy flavor. Milk helps keep it moist, while breadcrumbs bind everything together. The Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty kick, and fresh parsley brightens the dish. Eggs are key for binding, ensuring the casserole holds its shape. Garlic and onion powders bring depth without overpowering. For seasoning, adjust salt and pepper to your taste. The diced tomatoes add moisture and a slight acidity. If you want, you can mix in other veggies, too. This list of ingredients comes together to create a cozy meal. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked macaroni, and sharp cheddar cheese. - Add milk, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. - Mix until the ingredients are well combined and hold together. - Grease a medium-sized casserole dish and transfer the mixture into it. - Cover with diced tomatoes and bake as directed. This dish blends two classics into one warm, hearty meal. The creamy mac and cheese pairs perfectly with the savory meatloaf. You can find the full recipe to make this lovely casserole in the section above. Enjoy every bite! - Make sure the meatloaf mixture is thick enough to hold together. This helps it slice well. - Let the casserole rest for about ten minutes before slicing. This improves how it looks on the plate. - Serve it warm, and add more fresh parsley on top. This makes it look great. - Pair it with a green salad to add color and crunch. The salad balances the rich flavors. - Use a medium-sized casserole dish for even baking. It helps cook the meatloaf evenly. - For mixing, a large bowl and sturdy spoon work best. This makes prep easy and quick. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} You can easily change the meat in this dish. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef. This keeps the flavor but makes it lighter. You can also switch up the cheese. Using mozzarella or pepper jack adds new tastes. Each cheese brings its own magic to the dish. Want to make your casserole even better? Try adding veggies! Bell peppers or spinach mix right into the meat. They add great color and nutrients. You can also spice things up. Adding paprika or cayenne pepper gives it a fun kick. Just a little can change the whole flavor. If you need to make it gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs. It still tastes great! For those avoiding dairy, there are options too. You can use almond milk and dairy-free cheese. This way, everyone can enjoy the comfort of mac and cheese meatloaf casserole. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! To keep your mac and cheese meatloaf casserole fresh, cool it first. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge. Make sure to eat it within three to four days. When reheating, use the oven for best results. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Microwaving may dry it out. Heat in short bursts and check often. Yes, you can freeze the casserole! After it cools, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and cover with foil. Bake for about 60 minutes or until hot all the way through. In the fridge, the casserole lasts for about three to four days. If you freeze it, it can last for up to three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Enjoy this comforting meal when you can! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To keep your meatloaf casserole moist, use fresh ground beef. The fat in the beef adds flavor and moisture. You can also mix in ingredients like milk and eggs. These help bind the mixture and keep it tender. Avoid overcooking it. Check the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F (71°C). Letting it rest after baking helps retain moisture too. Yes, you can prep this casserole in advance. Mix all the ingredients and place them in the casserole dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, just remove the wrap and bake as per the [Full Recipe]. This saves time on busy days. This casserole pairs well with many sides. A fresh green salad adds color and crunch. You can also serve steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, garlic bread complements the flavors well. Consider a simple coleslaw for a nice contrast in texture. To check if your casserole is done, use a meat thermometer. The thickest part should reach 160°F (71°C). If you do not have a thermometer, look for clear juices. The top should be lightly browned and firm to the touch. If the center feels soft, give it a bit more time in the oven. This blog post covered how to make a tasty mac and cheese meatloaf casserole. We discussed key ingredients like ground beef, macaroni, and cheddar cheese. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and important tips for success. Consider fun variations to keep things exciting and ways to store leftovers. With these insights, you'll create a flavorful dish that friends and family will love. Enjoy your cooking journey and make this meal your own!](https://toastedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/63d5c95d-15e7-41ad-a53d-13b3db2b1370-300x300.webp)