The Ultimate Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two Comfort Foods in One: Enjoy the best of both worlds with a meatloaf stuffed with creamy mac ‘n’ cheese.

• Juicy and Cheesy: Each slice offers a perfect balance of savory meat and melty cheese.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for feeding a group, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.

• Leftovers Taste Even Better: If there are any leftovers, they make for a delicious meal the next day.

• Versatile: You can customize the recipe to suit different preferences, such as adding spice or swapping the meats.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Mac ‘n’ Cheese Filling:

• 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni (about 1 cup uncooked)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup milk

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Meatloaf:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)

• ½ lb (225g) ground chicken or turkey

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 large egg

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Glaze (Optional):

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Directions

1. Prepare the Mac ‘n’ Cheese Filling: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and garlic powder, cooking for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Mix in the cooked macaroni. Set aside to cool.

2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

3. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground chicken (or turkey), diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.

4. Assemble the Meatloaf: On a piece of parchment paper, shape the meat mixture into a rectangle. Place the cooled mac ‘n’ cheese filling in the center, leaving a border around the edges. Carefully fold the sides of the meat over the mac ‘n’ cheese, then roll it up, sealing the edges to enclose the filling.

5. Bake the Meatloaf: Transfer the rolled meatloaf to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

6. Prepare the Glaze (Optional): While the meatloaf is baking, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Brush the glaze over the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of baking.

7. Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 45–50 minutes

• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat mixture with a plant-based ground meat alternative and use dairy-free cheese for the mac ‘n’ cheese filling.

• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the mac ‘n’ cheese filling for a spicy twist.

• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses in the mac ‘n’ cheese filling, such as mozzarella or gouda, for varied flavors.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatloaf mixture and ensure the mac ‘n’ cheese filling uses gluten-free pasta.

Can I use all beef instead of a beef and chicken mixture?

Yes, you can use all ground beef; just ensure it’s a mix with some fat content for flavor and moisture.

How do I prevent the mac ‘n’ cheese from leaking out?

Ensure the mac ‘n’ cheese filling is cooled and firm before assembling, and seal the meatloaf tightly around the filling.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf and even assemble it the day before. Simply refrigerate it before baking.

How do I know when the meatloaf is done?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 160°F (71°C).

Can I make this dish without a glaze?

Absolutely! The glaze is optional, but it adds a nice sweet-and-tangy finish. You can skip it or substitute with barbecue sauce.

How can I add more flavor to the meatloaf?

Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings like Italian herbs, garlic powder, or onion powder.

How do I prevent the meatloaf from being too dry?

Use ground chicken or turkey with some fat content, or add a tablespoon of olive oil to keep the mixture moist.

Can I make this dish with a different pasta?

Yes, any small pasta shape will work, but macaroni is the traditional choice for mac ‘n’ cheese.

Can I freeze the assembled meatloaf before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled meatloaf (without baking) and bake it later. Allow additional cooking time if baking from frozen.

Conclusion

The Ultimate Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf is a savory, cheesy masterpiece that brings two classic comfort foods together in one delicious dish. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or taking it to a potluck, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. With its juicy, flavorful meatloaf and gooey mac ‘n’ cheese filling, this dish will satisfy all your cravings for both savory and cheesy goodness.

The Ultimate Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

The Ultimate Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf combines the best of two beloved comfort foods—juicy meatloaf and creamy mac ‘n’ cheese—into one irresistible dish. With a gooey mac ‘n’ cheese center wrapped in a savory meatloaf, this hearty meal is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and satisfying large appetites.

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Ingredients

For the Mac ‘n’ Cheese Filling:

2 cups cooked elbow macaroni (about 1 cup uncooked)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup milk

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp flour

½ tsp garlic powder

Salt & pepper to taste

For the Meatloaf:

1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)

½ lb (225g) ground chicken or turkey

1 small onion, finely diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ cup breadcrumbs

1 large egg

2 tbsp ketchup

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt & pepper to taste

For the Glaze (Optional):

¼ cup ketchup

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

• Prepare the Mac ‘n’ Cheese Filling:

  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and garlic powder, cooking for 1 minute.

  • Gradually add milk, whisking until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

  • Mix in cooked macaroni. Set aside to cool.

• Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:

  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground chicken (or turkey), diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep it tender.

• Assemble the Meatloaf:

  • On a piece of parchment paper, shape the meat mixture into a rectangle.

  • Place the cooled mac ‘n’ cheese in the center, leaving a border around the edges.

  • Carefully fold the sides of the meat over the mac ‘n’ cheese, sealing the edges to enclose the filling.

• Bake the Meatloaf:

  • Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

• Prepare the Glaze (Optional):

  • Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Brush over the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of baking.

• Rest and Serve:

  • Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Notes

Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat and dairy-free cheese.

Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the mac ‘n’ cheese filling for heat.

Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or your favorite cheese.

Freezing: Freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Leftovers: Leftovers taste even better the next day and are perfect for sandwiches!