If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food mash-up, this Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf is truly a showstopper. Imagine everything you love about creamy, cheesy macaroni and classic, savory meatloaf—now combined into one irresistible, golden-baked centerpiece. It’s hearty, it’s playful, and it’s absolutely the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into a cozy celebration!

Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf so lovely is its down-to-earth simplicity. Every ingredient serves a real purpose, whether it’s binding the loaf, spiking it with savory flavor, or bringing that dreamy cheesy center to life.

Ground beef (2 lbs): Go for 80/20 for the perfect balance of moistness and flavor.
Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Classic breadcrumbs bind the meatloaf and soak up flavor.
Milk (1/2 cup for meatloaf, 3/4 cup for cheese sauce): Keeps the loaf tender and makes the mac ‘n’ cheese extra creamy.
Large eggs (2): Essential for binding the meatloaf so it holds together perfectly when sliced.
Onion (1/2 small, finely chopped): Adds depth and natural sweetness to every savory bite.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For that subtle, aromatic kick.
Ketchup (2 tbsp in meatloaf, 1/4 cup with brown sugar): Adds moisture and tang, then caramelizes into a gorgeous glaze.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp): Boosts that classic umami flavor in your meatloaf base.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Don’t forget a generous pinch to keep everything well seasoned!
Cooked elbow macaroni (1 1/2 cups): The classic mac shape—holds the creamy cheese like a champ.
Butter (1 tbsp): Richness in the cheese sauce makes everything luscious.
All-purpose flour (1 tbsp): Thickens your cheese sauce beautifully for the ultimate creamy mac.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): Sharp cheddar brings bold, melty flavor to the center.
Brown sugar (1 tbsp): A touch of sweetness in the glaze balances the savory richness.

How to Make Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

Start by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and let it sizzle for about a minute, just until blended and bubbling. Gradually whisk in the milk, letting the mixture simmer until it thickens ever so slightly. Toss in all that glorious cheddar until you have a velvety, rich cheese sauce. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper, and let the cheese sauce cool a bit before stirring in your cooked macaroni. You want the mac ‘n’ cheese to still be creamy, but not piping hot—it’ll hold its shape better when you fill the meatloaf.

Step 2: Combine the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy, but try not to overmix—just enough so you have one uniform, homogenous mixture. This keeps the finished loaf juicy and tender, not dense.

Step 3: Shape and Fill the Meatloaf

Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment to prevent any sticky situations later. Take half of the meat mixture and shape it into a flat rectangle on your pan or in your loaf pan, about 1-inch thick. Spoon your prepared mac ‘n’ cheese right down the center, leaving a nice border all around. Carefully pat out the remaining meat mixture and gently lay it over the top, sealing and tucking the edges so that glorious cheesy goodness stays tucked away while baking.

Step 4: Glaze and Bake

For a glossy, irresistible finish, whisk together ketchup and brown sugar, then brush it generously all over the top and sides of your loaf. This sweet-savory glaze creates the most tempting caramelized crust as it bakes. Pop the meatloaf into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the internal temperature reads 160°F (71°C). Don’t rush—good things take time!

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Once out of the oven, let your Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf rest for a good 10 minutes before slicing. This little pause lets the juices redistribute and the cheese settle, making for tidy, picture-perfect slices every single time.

How to Serve Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf

Garnishes

Freshness is your best friend when serving something this rich! Sprinkle with a handful of chopped parsley or scallions for a dash of color and brightness. A little extra shredded cheddar on top as it hits the table will make cheese lovers swoon even before that first bite.

Side Dishes

This Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf is absolutely dreamy with classic sides like roasted green beans, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp, refreshing salad. Anything with a little crunch or acidity will balance out the cheesy, meaty goodness. Think pickles, quick-pickled onions, or even a pile of tangy coleslaw.

Creative Ways to Present

If you really want to wow your guests, arrange slices on a big platter, overlapping slightly so everyone can see the oozy mac ‘n’ cheese center. For a kid’s birthday or cozy get-together, try serving thick slices with little flags or mini toothpick skewers, or top individual slices with tiny dollops of ketchup art. Trust me—it’s as fun to eat as it is to serve!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf is the kind of thing you look forward to. Let it cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. It’ll keep perfectly well in the fridge for up to 3 days, staying moist and cheesy for easy next-day meals.

Freezing

If you have extra (lucky you!), this meatloaf freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. For the best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating so the texture stays just right.

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out—about 15–20 minutes should do the trick. If you’re in a rush, you can microwave individual slices in 30-second bursts until heated through. The cheese center should be warm and melty again, just like the first night!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar brings a classic flavor and gorgeous melt, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a sprinkle of mozzarella for extra stretchiness. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts smoothly for the best Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf experience.

What’s the secret to keeping the meatloaf juicy?

Using 80/20 ground beef, adding enough milk and breadcrumbs, and not overworking the meat are all key. Those steps help lock in moisture and keep your Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf tender and full of flavor.

Can I make the mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the macaroni and cheese filling up to a day ahead. Let it cool, then store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble. Bringing it to room temperature before filling makes shaping the loaf much easier.

Is it better to use a loaf pan or a baking sheet?

Both work! A loaf pan gives you tidy, easy slices, but a baking sheet allows a bit more room and creates more of that delicious crust all around. No matter your choice, line with parchment for easy removal.

How do I know when the meatloaf is cooked through?

A meat thermometer is your best friend here. The meatloaf is ready when it reaches 160°F (71°C) internally. Let it rest after baking for the juiciest results, and enjoy every cheesy slice!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf enough—it’s comfort food on a whole new level and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty, fun, and guaranteed to bring a grin to everyone around your table. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a family favorite!

Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf recipe. A juicy, flavorful meatloaf encases a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese center, creating a delicious twist on a classic dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the meatloaf:

2 lbs ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs
1/2 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the mac and cheese:

1 1/2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3/4 cup milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
pinch of salt and pepper

Topping:

1/4 cup ketchup mixed with 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the mac and cheese: Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour, then milk. Stir in cheese, season, and mix with cooked macaroni.
Make the meatloaf: Combine all meatloaf ingredients. Shape half the mixture into a rectangle, add mac and cheese, top with remaining meat mixture.
Add topping and bake: Brush with ketchup and sugar mixture. Bake for 50–60 minutes until cooked through.
Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

You can prepare the mac and cheese a day ahead to save time.
For added flavor, consider adding paprika or cayenne to the meat mixture or cheese sauce.
Serve with green beans or a side salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American