What is the best cheese for macaroni and cheese?

For a creamy and flavorful result, sharp cheddar is the go-to cheese for mac and cheese. It melts smoothly and has that classic tang we all love. In mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, I like mixing cheddar with a little Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra melt and stretch.

Why is Cracker Barrel mac and cheese so good?

Cracker Barrel mac and cheese is rich and ultra-creamy because they use real cheese, a silky béchamel base, and no shortcuts. That same smooth, satisfying texture is what we aim for in mac and cheese meatloaf casserole—homemade and hearty.

What meat pairs well with mac and cheese?

Ground beef, ground turkey, or even leftover shredded brisket all pair perfectly with mac and cheese. In mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, seasoned ground beef is the star, but you can easily switch it up with sausage or plant-based meat for a new flavor twist.

What is the secret to good mac and cheese?

The key is balancing the roux and cheese—cook your flour and butter fully before adding milk, and use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt. In mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, that smooth, homemade cheese sauce brings the entire dish together.

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole – Irresistible,Easy, Family-Approved Dinner

Name: Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole – Easy, Cheesy, Family-Approved Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ lbs ground beef; ½ cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 oz elbow macaroni; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons flour; 2 cups milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ teaspoon mustard powder (optional); Salt to taste

Description

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is one of those meals that brings back childhood memories while making dinner easy and exciting. It’s rich, cheesy, and meaty—all in one baking dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking up on leftovers, this casserole blends two American favorites into one comforting, weeknight-ready recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

1½ lbs ground beef

½ cup breadcrumbs

1 egg

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

8 oz elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

2 cups milk

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

¼ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Press the meat mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, cook elbow macaroni according to package directions.

5. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly add milk and whisk until thick.

6. Add cheese and stir until fully melted. Season with salt and mustard powder if using.

7. Combine cheese sauce with pasta, then spread over partially baked meatloaf. Bake an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Notes

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

You can prep the mac and cheese ahead of time and store separately.

Freeze individual slices for easy reheat-and-eat dinners.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 520
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 740mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 135mg