Mac ‘N’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf
Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf is a bold, comforting twist on two classics. Juicy ground beef is wrapped around creamy cheddar macaroni and baked to perfection, then finished with BBQ sauce for a smoky, savory bite in every slice.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, stir together cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and garlic powder until the cheese starts to melt and coat the pasta.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it.
- Place half the meat mixture on the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a flat oval loaf with a hollow center.
- Spoon the mac ‘n’ cheese into the center, gently pressing it down to keep it in place.
- Cover with the remaining meat mixture and press the edges to seal the filling inside.
- Brush the top and sides with BBQ sauce for a flavorful, caramelized finish.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the internal temp hits 160°F (71°C) and the top is nicely browned. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to lock in juices and keep the filling intact.