The Ultimate Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf

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This comfort food mashup combines juicy, flavorful meatloaf with a creamy, cheesy macaroni center—every slice reveals a gooey, irresistible surprise! Perfect for Sunday dinner or when you want to impress without too much fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Two comfort foods in one – Meatloaf + mac & cheese = pure joy
✅ Crowd-pleasing – Kids and adults go crazy for it
✅ Meal-prep friendly – Leftovers reheat beautifully
✅ Customizable – Swap meats, cheeses, or pasta

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Mac ‘n’ Cheese Filling

  • 2 cups (200g) cooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream or milk
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Meatloaf

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
  • ½ cup (50g) breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Glaze (Optional)

  • ¼ cup (60ml) ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Mac ‘n’ Cheese Filling

  1. In a bowl, mix cooked macaroni, cheddar, cream, cream cheese, mustard, and garlic powder until creamy. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently (don’t overwork).

3. Assemble the Stuffed Meatloaf

  1. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, press the meat mixture into a 10×12-inch rectangle.
  2. Spoon the mac ‘n’ cheese down the center, leaving a 1-inch border.
  3. Carefully roll the meat around the filling, sealing the edges.

4. Bake to Perfection

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Optional glaze: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar; brush over the loaf.
  3. Bake 45-50 minutes until internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
  4. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

  • Slice thickly to reveal the cheesy center.
  • Pair with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies.

Pro Tips

🔪 Clean slices: Use a serrated knife to cut without squishing.
🧀 Extra cheesy: Add mozzarella or Gouda to the mac filling.
🍝 Pasta swap: Use shells or cavatappi for more cheese pockets.

Variations

🌶 Spicy Tex-Mex: Add jalapeños + pepper jack cheese.
🍄 Mushroom Swiss: Mix sautéed mushrooms + Swiss cheese into the mac.
🍖 Italian Style: Use Italian sausage + marinara in the meat mix.

FAQs

Can I make it ahead?

Yes! Assemble (unbaked) and refrigerate overnight (add 5-10 mins to bake time).

How do I store leftovers?

Fridge for 3 days (reheat in oven for best texture).

Can I freeze it?

Yes! Freeze baked or unbaked for 2 months (thaw before reheating).

Final Thoughts

This Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf is next-level comfort food—juicy, cheesy, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Perfect for when you can’t decide between pasta night or meatloaf night!

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