I love this Ultimate Mac ‘N’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf because it brings two comfort-food favorites into one hearty dinner. I fill a tender BBQ-seasoned meatloaf with creamy macaroni and cheese, then finish it with a sweet and tangy glaze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like how filling, cheesy, and family-friendly this recipe is. I also love that the mozzarella melts into the macaroni and cheese, making every slice rich and comforting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 ¼ lb lean ground beef
1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
½ cup finely diced onion
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
½ cup honey BBQ sauce
1 cup macaroni and cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 ½ tbsp yellow mustard
Directions
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), then line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray it with non-stick spray.
I mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic powder, parsley, salt, pepper, and honey BBQ sauce in a large bowl until just combined.
Then I press half of the meat mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet.
I spoon the macaroni and cheese down the center, then sprinkle mozzarella over it.
I cover the filling with the remaining meat mixture and seal the edges well.
Next I mix ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard in a small bowl until smooth.
I spread the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
Then I bake it for 55 to 65 minutes, until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
I let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
I make this recipe for 6 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Calories: 430 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes use cheddar instead of mozzarella for a sharper flavor. I can also swap honey BBQ sauce for smoky BBQ sauce when I want a deeper taste. For extra richness, I add a little smoked turkey to the macaroni and cheese filling.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I reheat slices in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or I use the microwave for a quicker option.
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FAQs
Can I use homemade macaroni and cheese?
Yes, I like using homemade macaroni and cheese because it makes the filling extra creamy.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, I assemble it ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it until I am ready to bake.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
I make sure to seal the meat mixture tightly around the macaroni and cheese.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, I can use ground turkey, but I make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature.
What should I serve with this meatloaf?
I like serving it with green beans, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Conclusion
I love this Ultimate Mac ‘N’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf because it is cozy, cheesy, and satisfying. It is the kind of dinner I make when I want a comforting meal that feels special but still easy to prepare.
📖 Recipe:
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Ultimate Mac ‘N’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Ultimate Mac ‘N’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf combines tender BBQ-seasoned beef with a creamy macaroni and cheese center for the ultimate comfort-food dinner. Finished with a sweet and tangy glaze, every slice is rich, cheesy, and satisfying.
Ingredients
1 1/4 lb lean ground beef
1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1/2 cup finely diced onion
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
1 cup macaroni and cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 1/2 tbsp yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat it with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic powder, parsley, salt, pepper, and honey BBQ sauce. Mix until just combined.
- Press half of the meat mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spoon the macaroni and cheese down the center of the loaf and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Cover the filling with the remaining meat mixture and seal the edges tightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard until smooth.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
- Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Cheddar cheese can be used instead of mozzarella for a sharper flavor.
Swap honey BBQ sauce with smoky BBQ sauce for a deeper taste.
Add cooked bacon to the macaroni and cheese filling for extra richness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 325°F oven or microwave until warmed through.
Homemade macaroni and cheese works well for an extra creamy filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
