Macaroni Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf is the kind of dish that instantly transports you to your happiest food memories. Just imagine cutting into a juicy, flavorful meatloaf and revealing a molten center of creamy, cheesy macaroni. Sounds like dinner heaven, right? That’s because it is. If you love comfort food with a twist, this recipe is your new best friend.
Yes, you heard it right Macaroni Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf. It’s got all the home-cooked, nostalgic charm of meatloaf with the ooey-gooey joy of mac and cheese hidden right inside. It’s a show-stopping, soul-soothing dish perfect for Sunday dinner, casual gatherings, or just spoiling yourself midweek.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two Comfort Foods in One – It’s macaroni and cheese inside meatloaf. Enough said.
- Family-Approved – This recipe gets devoured every time. No leftovers? That’s a win.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – Everyday pantry staples make this meal feel gourmet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Meatloaf:
- 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
Stuffing:
- 1 cup Bob Evans macaroni and cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Topping:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp yellow mustard
How to Make Macaroni Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf
This dish may sound like something out of a fancy diner menu, but trust me — it’s easier than it looks.
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick spray. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine the beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic powder, parsley, salt, pepper, and honey BBQ sauce. Roll up your sleeves and mix it all together with your hands until well combined.
Step 3: Form the Base
Place half of the meat mixture on your baking sheet and shape it into an 8”x4” loaf. Press a cavity down the center — this is where the mac & cheese magic happens.
Step 4: Load the Mac & Cheese
In a separate bowl, mix the Bob Evans mac and cheese with the mozzarella. Spoon this mixture into the cavity of the meatloaf.
Step 5: Seal It Up
Take the remaining meat mixture and carefully cover the macaroni, pinching the edges to seal everything together. You want that filling tucked in tight.
Step 6: Bake
Pop it into the oven and bake for 40 minutes.
Step 7: Add the Topping
Increase the oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard, then spread it over the top of the meatloaf. Return it to the oven for another 10–15 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and beautiful.
Step 8: Let It Rest
Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps everything stay together when serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Meatloaf
- Use Lean Beef – Keeps things juicy without swimming in grease.
- Don’t Overmix – Mix just until everything’s combined. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.
- Let It Rest – Resist the urge to slice right away. Resting helps the juices settle and keeps it from falling apart.
What to Serve with Macaroni Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf
This dish is rich and satisfying, so balance it out with something light and fresh:
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette
- Dinner rolls to mop up any extra sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade macaroni and cheese?
Absolutely! If you have leftovers or want to make a batch from scratch, go for it.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Can I freeze it?
You sure can. Let it cool completely, then wrap in foil and freeze. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
What if I don’t have mozzarella?
Feel free to use cheddar or a blend — just pick a good melting cheese.
Why This Macaroni Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf Wins Every Time
This isn’t your grandma’s meatloaf — unless your grandma was a kitchen wizard who knew how to hide mac and cheese inside ground beef. Every bite is a comforting combo of tender beef, bold flavor, and gooey cheese. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, carb lovers, or just treating yourself, this Macaroni Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf delivers big on flavor and fun.
Ready to Cook?
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks impressive but is secretly easy to make. Scroll back up anytime for step-by-step directions, extra tips, and everything you need to pull this off like a pro — because comfort food magic lives right here.
Now go on, grab that apron, and stuff that meatloaf like a boss. 🍽️💛
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