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Mac Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish combines tender ground beef shaped around creamy mac and cheese, baked to juicy perfection with a sweet and tangy barbecue glaze. The rich filling adds a smooth, cheesy center, while the topping melts into a savory crust. Preparing it requires mixing spices, forming a loaf with a mac and cheese core, and baking until cooked through. Letting it rest before slicing ensures moist, even portions that are satisfying to share. Ideal for cozy gatherings or hearty weeknight meals.

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Published By Evelyn
Updated as of Thu, 20 Nov 2025 17:28:22 GMT
A slice of meatloaf with mac and cheese in it. Bookmark
A slice of meatloaf with mac and cheese in it. | foodbymary.com

This Mac And Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. Combining tender, savory meatloaf with a creamy, cheesy macaroni center and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze, it creates a dish that brings warmth and joy to any dinner table. This recipe is perfect for family meals, potlucks, or when you want to impress guests with something both familiar and unexpected.

I first made this for a family gathering and saw even the picky eaters asking for seconds. The combination of the barbecue glaze and the creamy mac and cheese filling keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

  • Lean ground beef: a juicy and flavorful base choose beef with around 85 percent lean for the best texture
  • Bread crumbs: absorb moisture and help the meatloaf hold its shape fresh or panko work fine
  • Large eggs: act as a binder to keep everything together
  • Small white onion: adds subtle sweetness pick firm onions without bruises
  • Garlic powder and dried parsley: lend depth and an herby note use fresh if you prefer but dried is convenient
  • Italian seasoning: brings complexity with a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme
  • Honey barbecue sauce: a sweet tang that complements the meat
  • Salt and pepper: to taste for basic seasoning
  • Creamy mac and cheese: makes the gooey, cheesy center use a rich homemade or good-quality store-bought version
  • Shredded mozzarella: melts beautifully on top, creating a golden, bubbly crust
  • Ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and honey: mix for a sticky, flavorful topping glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius so your meatloaf cooks evenly from the start.
Mix Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine lean ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, diced onion, garlic powder, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined without overworking the meat.
Shape the Meatloaf:
On a clean surface or baking sheet, form half the meat mixture into a loaf shape about 10 inches long. Flatten the center slightly so it can hold the mac and cheese filling securely.
Add Mac And Cheese Filling:
Spread the creamy mac and cheese evenly along the center of the flattened meatloaf. Make sure to leave room on the edges to seal the rest of the meat mixture over it.
Top It Off:
Carefully shape the remaining meat mixture over the mac and cheese, sealing the edges firmly to prevent leakage during baking.
Prepare Topping Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and honey until smooth. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the loaf.
Bake:
Place the meatloaf on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit or 70 degrees Celsius.
Add Cheese:
About five minutes before the meatloaf is done, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top so it melts nicely and turns golden.
Rest Before Serving:
Once baked, let the meatloaf rest on a cutting board for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps the loaf hold together when sliced.
A slice of mac and cheese stuffed meatloaf. Bookmark
A slice of mac and cheese stuffed meatloaf. | foodbymary.com

My favorite part of this recipe is definitely the cheesy center. It’s almost like a delicious surprise when you cut into the meatloaf revealing the creamy mac and cheese. One of the best moments was when my kids’ eyes lit up seeing their favorite pasta magically inside meatloaf. It turned dinner into something memorable.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Let the meatloaf cool completely before sealing to maintain moisture and flavor. When freezing, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can keep well for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version without losing the meaty texture. Use gluten-free bread crumbs if you need to avoid gluten. Feel free to swap mozzarella for cheddar or smoked gouda for a different cheese flavor in both the stuffing and topping. Yellow mustard can be replaced with Dijon for a sharper bite in the glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic comfort plate. A fresh garden salad or roasted Brussels sprouts offer a healthy, fresh contrast to the richness of the meatloaf. For a festive touch, add tangy coleslaw or garlic bread to round out the meal. Sweet potato fries or baked beans bring a fun and family-friendly vibe.

Cultural and Historical Context

Meatloaf is a beloved dish with roots in various cultures, originally created to stretch ground meat with fillers like bread crumbs and eggs. Stuffing it with macaroni and cheese is a modern American twist that combines two comfort foods into one indulgent meal. The barbecue glaze nods to Southern cuisine with its balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors, making this dish a celebration of home cooking and inventive flavor pairing.

Pro Tips

  • Toast the bread crumbs lightly before mixing to add crunch and soak up moisture better
  • Chill the assembled meatloaf for 30 minutes before baking to help it set and prevent cracking
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; juicy meatloaf is always better than dry

Common Recipe Questions

→ What makes the stuffing creamy?

The filling achieves its creaminess from a rich mac and cheese blend made with smooth cheddar sauce and tender pasta, providing a soft texture inside the meatloaf.

→ How can I ensure the loaf holds together?

Using fresh bread crumbs and chilling the shaped loaf before baking helps it keep its shape and prevents the filling from leaking out.

→ What internal temperature indicates doneness?

The meatloaf should reach 160°F (70°C) internally to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

→ Can I use other meats instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or a mix of meats can be used for a lighter or varied flavor while maintaining the dish’s structure.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Classic sides include mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread, which complement the rich flavors and textures of the loaf.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.

Mac Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

Hearty meatloaf layered with creamy mac and cheese, glazed with a sweet barbecue topping for a comforting meal.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
50 minutes
Complete Time
70 minutes
Published By: Evelyn

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderately Challenging

Cuisine Type: American

Total Portions: 6 Serves How Many (One 25 cm meatloaf)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Required Ingredients

→ Meatloaf

01 568 g lean ground beef
02 120 g bread crumbs
03 2 large eggs
04 1 small white onion, peeled and diced
05 2 tsp garlic powder
06 2 tsp dried parsley
07 1 tsp Italian seasoning
08 Salt and black pepper to taste
09 120 ml honey barbecue sauce

→ Stuffing

10 240 ml creamy macaroni and cheese

→ Topping

11 120 g shredded mozzarella cheese
12 80 ml ketchup
13 27 g brown sugar
14 30 ml yellow mustard
15 15 ml honey

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Set the oven to 175°C to ensure even cooking.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, thoroughly mix lean ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, diced onion, garlic powder, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until fully incorporated.

Step 03

On a baking sheet or clean surface, form half the meat mixture into a 25 cm long loaf, pressing the center flat to hold the filling.

Step 04

Evenly spread the creamy macaroni and cheese over the flat center area of the formed meatloaf.

Step 05

Carefully place the remaining meat mixture on top, sealing the edges to enclose the mac and cheese completely.

Step 06

Mix ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and honey in a small bowl until smooth, then spread over the assembled meatloaf.

Step 07

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 70°C.

Step 08

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top during the last 5 minutes of baking to melt and form a golden crust.

Step 09

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking to retain juices and improve slicing.

Handy Cooking Tips

  1. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 70°C for safe consumption.

Necessary Kitchen Tools

  • Mixing bowl
  • Loaf pan or baking sheet
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Always check ingredient packaging for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional when in doubt.
  • Contains dairy, gluten, and eggs

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These nutrition details are for guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 550
  • Fat: 30 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 30 grams
  • Proteins: 35 grams