If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, it’s the glorious Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf. This sensational recipe takes familiar comfort food favorites and unites them for a show-stopping main course that’s perfect for family dinners, Sunday suppers, or any time you crave something extra cozy. The tender, savory meatloaf encases a lusciously creamy mac and cheese center—ensuring every slice oozes with golden, cheesy goodness. One bite, and you’ll wonder why you’ve ever served these classics separately!

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because it uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients—each adding something vital, from creamy richness to bursts of flavor, irresistible texture, and comforting color. Let’s get acquainted with what you’ll need for Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf:

Ground Beef (1 pound): Adds hearty flavor and classic meatloaf texture; go for 80/20 for the best balance of juiciness.
Ground Pork (1 pound): Brings extra moisture and savory depth to complement the beef.
Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Help bind the meatloaf, ensuring it stays sturdy enough to hold all that cheesy filling.
Small Onion, Finely Chopped (1): Gives a subtle sweetness and aromatic finish.
Garlic, Minced (2 cloves): Adds a wonderful lift and complexity to the meat mixture.
Eggs (2): Essential for binding everything together and adding richness.
Milk (½ cup): Moistens the mixture just enough for a tender crumb.
Worcestershire Sauce (2 tablespoons): Delivers a punch of umami and a little tang.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the flavors.
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a hint of warmth without overpowering.
Smoked Paprika (½ teaspoon): Offers subtle smokiness and color.
Prepared Macaroni and Cheese, Cooled (3 cups): The rich, creamy surprise at the heart of every slice—let it cool thoroughly for clean assembly.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (½ cup): Melts into the filling for extra cheese pulls and flavor.
Ketchup (½ cup): Forms the base of the tangy, sweet glaze.
Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons): Deepens the glaze with a subtle molasses sweetness.
Yellow Mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a gentle zip to the glaze, balancing out the sweet and savory notes.

How to Make Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup and effortless lifting of your finished masterpiece. This extra step helps prevent any sticking and makes transferring your finished Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf to a serving platter a total breeze.

Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture

In a roomy mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix everything together gently—just until it’s combined. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense, so aim for a light touch here for a juicy, tender result.

Step 3: Shape and Stuff the Loaf

Spoon about two-thirds of your meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a rectangular base. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to create a deep well down the center, leaving enough thickness on the bottom and sides to support the filling. Now, gently pile in the cooled macaroni and cheese. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese right on top for an extra layer of meltiness.

Step 4: Enclose the Filling

Take the remaining meat mixture and carefully shape it over the macaroni and cheese, pressing it to seal the edges securely. The aim is to fully encase the filling—no cheesy bits peeking out! Smooth out the loaf’s top and sides so it looks even and compact. This not only keeps the mac and cheese tucked away but also helps the loaf bake evenly.

Step 5: Whip Up and Apply the Glaze

In a small bowl, blend the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard until smooth. This classic glaze adds glossy color and a pop of sweet-savory tang to your Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf. Brush it generously all over the loaf’s surface, making sure you cover every nook and cranny.

Step 6: Bake and Rest

Slide your meatloaf into the oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 160°F using a meat thermometer. The enticing aroma will tell you it’s nearly ready! Once baked, let it rest for 10 full minutes—this allows the juices to redistribute and keeps your slices picture-perfect.

How to Serve Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf

Garnishes

Take your presentation up a notch by scattering fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top just before serving. You can even add a final sprinkle of cheddar for extra color. Serve slices with an extra drizzle of glaze, and don’t forget a little cracked black pepper for a gourmet finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf is absolutely dreamy alongside classic comfort sides. Pair it with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a zippy arugula salad to cut through the richness. Creamy coleslaw or buttered corn also play well with all that cheesy goodness and savory meat.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, try serving it as sliders: thick slices tucked into soft rolls for crowd-pleasing party fare. Or arrange it on a wooden board with pickles, cherry tomatoes, and extra cheese for a family-style, serve-yourself vibe. However you plate it, the star of the show is always that gooey mac and cheese center!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the loaf cool completely before storing, and if possible, wrap it in foil to keep the moisture in and prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes beautifully! Wrap cooled slices or even a whole loaf tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a homemade comfort food fix, let it thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To keep things moist and melty, reheat leftovers in a covered baking dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through (about 20 minutes for slices). For a quicker fix, microwave on medium power in short bursts, covering your slice with a damp paper towel to maintain the luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use all beef or all pork instead of the mix?

Absolutely! The combo gives the most balanced flavor and texture, but if you prefer, you can go all beef for a classic vibe or all pork for a slightly sweeter, more succulent loaf. Just keep an eye on the fat content—lean meat may dry out a bit faster.

What type Main Course

You can use homemade or boxed mac and cheese for this recipe, just make sure it’s completely cooled before stuffing. A thicker, creamier mac and cheese works best so it holds together inside the loaf and doesn’t leak out during baking.

Can I prepare Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the loaf up to a day in advance—just cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bring it to room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as usual.

How do I keep the meatloaf from falling apart?

Using the right balance of binder ingredients (breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk) plus letting your mac and cheese cool is key. Don’t overmix the meat, and be sure to seal the meatloaf around the filling to contain all that cheesy goodness.

Any tips for a smoky flavor?

If you love a smoky twist, add a handful of cooked chopped bacon to the mac and cheese filling or a pinch of extra smoked paprika to the meat mixture. Smoked cheddar in the filling will also deepen that flavor!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your family or friends with a mashup of two timeless comfort foods, Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf absolutely delivers. It’s a little playful, a lot indulgent, and destined to steal the spotlight at your dinner table. Give it a try—you just might find it becomes the dish everyone asks for again and again!

Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf recipe. A savory meatloaf encases a gooey center of macaroni and cheese, creating a hearty and satisfying dish that will please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf:

1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Filling:

3 cups prepared macaroni and cheese (cooled)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Glaze:

1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Prepare the meatloaf mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until just combined.
Shape the meatloaf: Shape two-thirds of the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf base with a well in the center. Fill the well with macaroni and cheese, top with cheddar cheese, and cover with the remaining meat mixture.
Prepare the glaze: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a bowl. Brush over the meatloaf.
Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Ensure the mac and cheese is completely cooled before stuffing for better shape retention.
Both homemade and boxed mac and cheese work well for this recipe.
For a smoky flavor, consider adding chopped bacon to the mac and cheese filling.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American