Mac and Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf
Mac and Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort-food mashup — a juicy, tender meatloaf wrapped around creamy, cheesy macaroni and baked to golden perfection. Every slice reveals a gooey mac-and-cheese center that feels decadent yet familiar, making this recipe perfect for family dinner ideas, comfort-food casseroles, and high-protein meal recipes that readers love searching for.
This dish turns classic meatloaf into a show-stopping main course that’s rich, hearty, and impossible to resist.
Yield: 6–8 servings
Temp: 375°F (190°C)
Time: 60–70 minutes
Key Ingredients First:
- Ground beef
- Cooked macaroni & cheese
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
For the Filling:
- 3 cups cooked macaroni and cheese (thick and creamy)
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. This flavorful blend creates a moist, tender meatloaf — the kind that ranks high in classic dinner recipes and comfort food favorites. - Form the Base Layer
Spread half of the meat mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping it into a large rectangle. - Add the Mac and Cheese
Spoon the mac and cheese down the center, keeping it in a thick line and leaving space at the edges. - Seal the Meatloaf
Place the remaining meat mixture on top and shape it around the mac and cheese to fully enclose the filling. - Add the Glaze
Brush the entire loaf with ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard glaze. - Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 55–65 minutes, or until cooked through and caramelized on top. - Rest & Slice
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the cheesy center stays together.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, or roasted vegetables.
- Drizzle extra cheese sauce over each slice for a deluxe version.
- Pair with a crisp salad to balance the richness.
This dish attracts readers searching for stuffed meatloaf recipes, creative dinner ideas, and mac and cheese twists — all popular, high-traffic categories.
Tips
- Use thick mac and cheese; runny sauce will leak out.
- Don’t skip resting — it keeps the center creamy and intact.
- Add shredded cheddar inside for an extra cheesy core.
- Swap half the beef for pork for a juicier loaf.