Description
This Mac ‘n’ Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf combines the classic comfort of cheesy macaroni with a flavorful, seasoned ground beef meatloaf. The creamy mac and cheese filling is enclosed inside a savory meat crust, topped with tangy BBQ sauce, then baked to perfection for a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
For the meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
For the mac ‘n’ cheese filling:
- 1 cup elbow macaroni, cooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the meatloaf, ensuring an even cooking temperature.
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a well-seasoned meatloaf base.
- Mix the mac ‘n’ cheese filling: In a separate bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and garlic powder, stirring until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Shape the base meatloaf: On a baking sheet, form half of the meat mixture into a loaf shape. Hollow out the center carefully to create space for the filling without breaking the loaf’s structure.
- Fill with mac ‘n’ cheese: Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into the hollowed center of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly within the cavity.
- Seal the meatloaf: Cover the mac ‘n’ cheese filling with the remaining meat mixture, pressing and sealing the edges tightly to prevent any filling from leaking during baking.
- Add BBQ topping: Brush the top of the assembled meatloaf generously with BBQ sauce for a flavorful glaze that caramelizes in the oven.
- Bake the meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest before serving: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, making slicing easier and the meatloaf juicier.
Notes
- Ensure the macaroni is fully cooked and drained before mixing it with cheese and cream to avoid excess moisture inside the meatloaf.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness – the internal temperature should be 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.
- Letting the meatloaf rest after baking is essential for juicy and tender slices.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar with your favorite cheese for different flavor variations.
- BBQ sauce on top adds sweetness and helps keep the meatloaf moist.
