Macaroni Meat Loaf
A comforting baked macaroni and beef casserole with a cheesy sauce, enriched with stuffing for added flavor, perfect for hearty family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni as directed; drain.
- Melt butter in a saucepan; blend in flour, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
- Gradually add milk and heavy cream; cook over low heat.
- Stir constantly until thickened.
- Add grated Cheddar cheese; stir until melted.
- Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce.
- In a separate bowl, mix together egg, prepared bread stuffing, ground beef, remaining salt, and pepper.
- Spread the beef mixture on the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Cover with the macaroni and cheese mixture.
- Bake at 400°F for 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more heavy cream or sour cream to the cheese sauce. If you don't have elbow macaroni, any small pasta shape will work. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter option. For extra flavor, try adding diced onions or garlic to the beef mixture, similar to what you'd find in Rhonda's Favorite Cabbage Roll.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the macaroni meat loaf with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. It pairs beautifully with Old Fashion Beef Stew for a comforting meal. You might also enjoy it alongside crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any leftover cheese sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the macaroni meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni Meat Loaf contains roughly 1904 calories, with 36g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 133g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (72% of the Daily Value) and iron (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1506mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni meat loaf ahead of time. Assemble it in the baking pan, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze macaroni meat loaf?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you want to switch up the cheese, try using a combination of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. For a sharper taste, you might use Gruyère or Gouda. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the overall texture and flavor of the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).