Are you looking for a unique and delicious twist on the classic meatloaf recipe? Look no further than this macaroni and cheese stuffed meatloaf recipe. This recipe brings together two comfort food favorites – macaroni and cheese and meatloaf – into one mouth-watering dish.

There’s just something about meatloaf that feels like a warm hug from your mama. And when you stuff it with creamy macaroni and cheese? Well, that’s pure comfort food goodness right there. Trust me when I say that this recipe is a game-changer.

So if you’re ready to take your meatloaf game to the next level, gather around the kitchen and let’s get cooking!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Attention all food lovers! Prepare yourself for the ultimate comfort food experience- the Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Recipe. This savory recipe is everything you could ever ask for in a meal- cheesy, meaty, and downright delicious. Trust me when I say that this meatloaf will tantalize your taste buds like no other.

First of all, this recipe boasts an irresistible combination of tender ground beef and creamy mac and cheese. These two flavors blend together seamlessly to create a harmonious union that is both hearty and comforting. The mac and cheese not only adds an indulgent element to the dish but also helps to keep the meatloaf moist and juicy.

But what really sets this recipe apart from the rest is its cheese-stuffed twist. Imagine biting into a perfectly cooked slice of meatloaf only to discover a deliciously gooey center filled with melted cheddar cheese. It’s like having a little surprise waiting for you in every bite! Plus, it makes for one impressive presentation that will have your family and friends eagerly reaching for seconds.

Another reason why this recipe is so fantastic is its versatility. You can easily switch up the flavors by using different types of cheese or adding some extra spices like garlic powder or dried parsley to your liking. The recipe is also customizable based on your dietary preferences- you can opt for lean ground beef or even turkey meatloaf if you’re watching your calorie intake.

Overall, there are countless reasons why the Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Recipe deserves a spot in your weekly menu lineup. It’s easy to make, incredibly tasty, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family. So go ahead and treat yourself- trust me, you won’t regret it!

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you will need for this cheesy and hearty recipe:

1 pound lean ground beef
1 box (7.25 oz) mac and cheese
2 cups reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
1 green pepper, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
½ cup skim milk
1 cup bread crumbs (or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs)
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

This meatloaf recipe requires few common pantry staples that you might even have on hand already. A great option is to use Bob Evans macaroni and cheese for a quick prep recipe or Kraft Mac and Cheese for the family favorite touch. To give your meatloaf an extra kick, add some diced green peppers and onions which will not only make it more flavorful but add texture as well!

The Recipe How-To

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfBILYKsGz0

Now that we have our ingredient list ready, it’s time to prepare this delicious Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before starting the process, make sure to have all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process easier and quicker.

Step 2: Prepare the Macaroni and Cheese

The macaroni noodles need to be cooked according to package instructions, with salt added to the cooking water. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside. In a different pot, prepare the mac cheese according to its package instructions. You can use any brand of mac cheese you prefer, but I strongly suggest using family or kraft mac cheese because they blend smoothly with the beef.

Step 3: Combine Ground Beef and Breadcrumbs

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef [beef 1], breadcrumbs [breadcrumbs 1], garlic powder [garlic powder 2], parsley [dried parsley], salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together thoroughly.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Onion, Garlic Powder and Macaroni Cheese

Add two large eggs, finely diced onions [onions 1] (or green peppers if you prefer), onion powder [onion garlic], and garlic powder [garlic powder 2] to the meat mixture. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. Pour in one cup of mac cheese that you previously prepared followed by two cups of cooked macaroni noodles.

Step 5: Create Meatloaf Mixture

Mix everything until all ingredients are evenly distributed within the meat mixture. Knead it like dough and ensure that there is no visible macroni noodles in the mixture.

Step 6: Form Meatloaf Mixture into Stuffed Meatloaf

Spray a meatloaf casserole dish with cooking spray then place half of the meat mixture at the bottom of the casserole dish. Make a well inside the middle part of the meat mixture (lengthwise) then fill it with remaining mac cheese up to three quarters full; any excess can be served as a side dish. Top off with remaining meat mixture then press them together firmly ensuring that there are no air pockets inside.

Step 7: Bake Meatloaf

Preheat oven at 375°F for about ten minutes before baking stuffed meatloaf recipe until internal temperature of meat reaches at least 160°F; it usually takes about one hour for an average-sized loaf.

Step 8: Let Stuffed Meatloaf Rest Before Serving

Once cooked like cheesy bacon balls or turkey meatloaf, remove from oven then let it sit for five minutes before slicing bacon wrapped meatloaf; this helps keep all its moisture locked in giving you extra juicy bites of cheesy wonder.

Follow these steps carefully and enjoy your delicious Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf!

Substitutions and Variations

Two comfort foods collide in one delicious dish!

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “What if I don’t have all the ingredients on hand? Can I still make this meatloaf?” The answer is yes, absolutely! Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

– Cheese: If you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to use it instead of the reduced-fat cheddar cheese. You could also experiment with different flavors of cheese, such as pepper jack or gouda.

– Ground beef: This recipe calls for lean ground beef, but you could also use ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat option. Keep in mind that the meatloaf may have a slightly different texture and flavor with these substitutions.

– Bread crumbs: Instead of using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, try using panko or plain breadcrumbs. You could also substitute crushed crackers or even cornflakes for a different texture.

– Vegetables: If you’re not a fan of green peppers or onions, you could substitute with other veggies such as diced tomatoes or shredded carrots. You could also add additional vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms to bulk up the meatloaf.

– Sauce: While this recipe calls for BBQ sauce to accompany the meatloaf, you could also experiment with other sauces such as marinara or salsa. Or, skip the sauce altogether and serve the meatloaf as is.

– Mac and cheese: If you don’t have macaroni and cheese on hand or prefer not to use it, simply leave it out! The meatloaf will still be delicious without it. Alternatively, you could try using a different pasta shape such as penne or rigatoni.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making the recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to try new things and make substitutions based on your personal taste preferences or what ingredients you have available in your pantry.

Serving and Pairing

Mac and cheese + meatloaf = pure deliciousness.

Now that you have your cheese-stuffed macaroni and cheese meatloaf ready, it’s time to think about what to serve it with. This meatloaf is hearty and flavorful, so you’ll want to pair it with something that can stand up to its richness.

For a classic side dish, consider serving the mac and cheese meatloaf with some collard greens. The bitterness of the greens balances out the richness of the cheese in the meatloaf, while also adding some much-needed texture contrast.

If you’re feeling indulgent, you could also serve the meatloaf alongside some baked macaroni and cheese. It’s a bit decadent, but the combination of cheesy pasta and cheesy meatloaf is sure to please any comfort food lover.

For a lighter option, try pairing the meatloaf with a mixed greens salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing will help cut through the richness of the meatloaf.

If you’re looking for something a bit unconventional, try serving the meatloaf with some barbecue sauce on top. This adds an extra layer of flavor and takes the dish in a slightly different direction.

Of course, you can always experiment and come up with your own pairings based on your personal taste preferences. No matter what you choose, this cheese-stuffed macaroni and cheese meatloaf is sure to be a hit at any gathering or family meal.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

When it comes to meatloaf, it’s always great to have leftovers for a quick and easy meal later in the week. Fortunately, this macaroni and cheese stuffed meatloaf recipe is perfect for making ahead of time and reheating for a delicious meal later. Here are some tips on how to store and reheat your cheese stuffed meatloaf.

To make ahead, follow the recipe instructions and bake as directed. Once the cheese stuffed meatloaf has cooled down, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then with foil to prevent freezer burn. This will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 375˚F. Remove the meatloaf from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also defrost it in the microwave or at room temperature until it’s fully thawed. Then, remove the plastic wrap and foil and place the cheese stuffed meatloaf on a baking sheet or dish.

Reheat the meatloaf in the oven until it’s heated through and reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F. This should take about 30-40 minutes depending on the size of your cheese stuffed meatloaf. You can cover it with foil if you notice that it’s browning too quickly.

The reheated meatloaf will taste just as good as fresh out of the oven! You can also store any leftover reheated meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat leftovers, simply slice the meatloaf and microwave until heated through.

Overall, this macaroni and cheese stuffed meatloaf recipe is perfect for meal planning because of its versatility and ease of reheating.

Tips for Perfect Results

Let me share with you some tips that will ensure your Cheese Stuffed Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf comes out perfectly. This recipe is bound to satisfy people who love mac & cheese and meatloaf.

Firstly, make sure to use lean ground beef in the recipe. Beef that is too fatty can make the meatloaf greasy, and you don’t want that. You can also use turkey meatloaf as a healthier option.

Secondly, try using smoked meatloaf instead of regular ground beef meatloaf. Smoked meatloaf adds a savory and smoky flavor to the dish that elevates its taste.

Thirdly, for an extra flavor punch, try adding bacon to your cheese-stuffed bacon-wrapped meatloaf or topping it off with breadcrumbs mixed with dried parsley.

Fourthly, spray macaroni noodles with cooking spray to prevent them from sticking together – no one likes clumpy mac and cheese inside their meatloaf.

Fifthly, mix together barbeque sauce and ketchup in equal amounts and spread it on top of your cheese-stuffed meatloaf during the last 5 minutes of baking. This sauce combination adds a tangy flavor that goes perfectly with macaroni cheese stuffed inside the meat.

Sixthly, you can add some collard greens or pasta to your family’s mac and cheese base before stuffing the mixture into the meat mixture for added depth of flavor.

Lastly, if you’re going to make macaroni cheese stuffed inside a baked mac or cheesy stuffed meatloaf casserole, then try using Kraft Mac & Cheese or Bob Evans Extra Lean Macaroni & Cheese boxes as a shortcut for making perfect mac & cheese. These boxes are easy to prepare and will give you foolproof results every time.

With these tips in mind, your Cheese Stuffed Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf will be a hit at your next family dinner.

FAQ

Before we conclude this recipe article, let’s address some important questions that may come up as you prepare this delicious macaroni and cheese meatloaf. Whether it’s about ingredient substitutions, cooking times or serving size options, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find out more about the FAQs of this recipe.

What is the secret to moist meatloaf?

If you want to make your meat dishes flavorful and juicy, don’t forget to add some wet seasonings such as eggs, ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire, barbecue sauce or a blend of them. These ingredients are not just for taste and texture, they also keep the meat moist and tender. So, be sure to add moisture at every step to make scrumptiously juicy meat dishes.

What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?

One of the reasons why meatloaf tends to fall apart is due to the absence of adequate binding agents, such as breadcrumbs and eggs. These ingredients play a crucial role as they bind the meat mixture together, preventing it from falling apart when it is being cooked. Remember to incorporate these ingredients in your recipe to create a meatloaf that holds together perfectly.

Why do you put milk in meatloaf?

When making meatloaf, adding milk serves the purpose of hydrating the bread crumbs, which are then mixed with the meat blend to get that desired moist texture. In the event that one doesn’t want to use milk, alternatives like low sodium beef stock, chicken stock, water, or dairy-free milk substitutes can come in handy.

Bottom Line

Now that you have all the ingredients and steps in hand, it’s time to heat up your oven, grab your apron, and get cooking. I hope this cheese-stuffed macaroni and beef meatloaf recipe will become a new favorite in your house.

Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but it also allows for substitutions and variations based on your taste preferences. You can include veggies, switch up the cheese, or even use turkey meat instead of beef.

Imagine taking a bite of the cheesy meatloaf stuffed with macaroni and enjoying the explosion of flavors in your mouth. This dish is perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings, and it pairs well with collard greens or even bacon balls for an added twist.

With make-ahead options and storing tips, you can enjoy leftovers or prepare ahead for busy weeknights. And don’t forget to share your creations with others by posting pictures or even hosting a meatloaf cook-off.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into this recipe and start cooking together. Trust me; you won’t regret it when you take that first bite of deliciousness. Happy cooking!

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Vikas

Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.

Indulge in This Cheesy & Flavorful Meatloaf Recipe