The Ultimate Mac ‘N’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf
Why settle for plain meatloaf when you can take it to the next level? This Ultimate Mac ‘N’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaffeatures a rich, cheesy pasta filling wrapped in a savory, juicy meatloaf shell. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a tangy glaze, it’s a dish that brings together the best of both worlds — comfort food heaven.
Perfect for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or anytime you want to impress, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two classics in one: Mac ‘n’ cheese + meatloaf = ultimate comfort.
- Cheesy center: Melty, creamy mac inside every slice.
- Juicy meatloaf: Flavored with herbs, onions, and a tangy glaze.
- Show-stopper: A dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
For the Mac ‘N’ Cheese Filling
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (warm)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or plain)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Mac ‘N’ Cheese Filling
- Cook macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux.
- Gradually add warm milk, whisking until thickened.
- Stir in cheddar cheese, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add cooked pasta, stir to coat. Let cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment or lightly grease.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Meatloaf
- Divide meat mixture in half. Press one half into the loaf pan, forming a base with a hollow center.
- Spoon cooled mac ‘n’ cheese into the hollow, leaving a border around edges.
- Cover with remaining meat mixture, sealing edges to enclose filling.
Step 4: Add the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 55–65 minutes, until meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) internally. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Success
- Cool the mac ‘n’ cheese slightly: Keeps it firm and easier to stuff.
- Seal edges well: Prevents cheese from leaking out during baking.
- Rest before slicing: Allows juices to redistribute and filling to set.
- Extra gooey: Add a layer of shredded cheese inside with the mac.
Variations
- BBQ Twist: Swap ketchup glaze for barbecue sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Stir jalapeños or pepper jack cheese into the mac.
- Bacon-Wrapped Version: Wrap meatloaf in strips of bacon before baking.
- Mini Meatloaves: Make smaller individual versions in muffin tins.
Why This Recipe Works
The meatloaf is seasoned and juicy, acting as the perfect “shell” for the creamy, cheesy macaroni filling. Every slice delivers the ultimate bite — savory beef, gooey cheese, and tender pasta. The tangy glaze ties it all together with a touch of sweetness.
It’s bold, comforting, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your dinner table.
✨ Cheesy, juicy, and unforgettable, this Mac ‘N’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food mashup you didn’t know you needed.
