Macaroni and Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

Yes - you read that right! Macaroni and cheese stuffed inside meatloaf is a thing. An amazingly delicious thing! And much easier to make than you might think.

The best part?  Your crockpot babysits it for you and delivers big flavor and cheesy wonderfulness.  Your whole family will thank you for making this delicious recipe. 

📝Shopping list

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this cheese meatloaf casserole.  For exact measurements and full preparation instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

•  Extra lean ground beef - the leaner the better.  Beef with a higher fat content will give you a greasier meatloaf.  To keep things extra lean, I often opt for a combo of ⅓ ground turkey with ⅔ ground beef.  
• Eggs
• Panko bread crumbs I use seasoned bread crumbs
• Ketchup  see below for substitution options
• Dried onion flakes, garlic powder, salt & pepper 
• Frozen prepared macaroni & cheese I use Stauffers, but go with your favorite!
• Mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese shredded

Preparing Your Slow Cooker

Prep your slow cooker for macaroni and cheese-stuffed meatloaf by coating it with a non-stick agent.  Any non-stick spray or oil will work. Olive oil and avocado oil are my go-to coatings. 

 NOTE: Some slow cooker inserts come with a nonstick surface.  Use of a non-stick agent is still suggested. However, oil is sometimes recommended rather than spray to protect the longevity of the non-stick surface.  Check your slow cooker's manual if you have any concerns. 

Alternatively, use a liner to make this slow cooker meatloaf recipe cleanup even easier.   

Cooking

• 🍽️Place meat, seasonings, eggs, bread crumbs, and ketchup into a large bowl and mix to fully combine.  
• 🍽️Add about ⅔ of this meat mixture to a greased slow cooker.  Use your hands to flatten evenly along the bottom of the slow cooker and about 2" or so up the side wall - all the way around.  
• 🍽️Place frozen macaroni and cheese in the center of the loaf mixture.  If you can't fit it in nicely, use a knife to cut it into pieces and fit it in like a puzzle
• 🍽️Use shredded cheese to fill in gaps around the frozen chunks of mac and cheese.  Top the mac and cheese with remaining cheese. 
• 🍽️Place the remaining meat mixture on top of the shredded cheese.  Flatten it and pinch the edges with the meat coming up the side of the slow cooker.  Your macaroni and cheese should be fully wrapped in a ground meat cocoon.  
• 🍽️Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for about 4 hours.  

🍽Serving suggestions

This stuffed meatloaf pairs perfectly with:

• Garlic bread (great for scooping up that cheesy filling!)
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Cole slaw
• A crisp garden side salad
• Baked or mashed potatoes

🔁Substitution ideas

• Not a fan of ketchup?  Use your favorite bbq sauce instead. 
• Looking to add a little heat? Use spicy ketchup. Red pepper flakes are also a great way to dial up the heat.  
• Freshly diced onion and minced garlic are great in place of dried.  Onion powder can also be used in place of flakes.  

😉Hints and Hacks

1. Is meatloaf one of your favorite comfort foods?   Then you will also love this classic meatloaf recipe and Greek turkey meatloaf. 
2. This easy recipe is great if your people eat at different times. After cooking time, turn your slow cooker to low, and everyone can have a warm and filling meal, no matter what time they are ready to eat.
3. I like to mix meatloaf with my hands so I use gloves that have been fda approved for direct contact with food. This keeps my hands clean for adding the mac n cheese filling.
4. For easy clean up on busy nights, use a slow cooker liner. This is, of course, an optional step. I like to purchase my liners in bulk for a less expensive per-piece price.  
5. In the market for a casserole slow cooker? I love mine!