1. Prep Oven & Dish:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or deep casserole dish.

2. Make the Meatloaf Base:

• In a large bowl, combine all meatloaf ingredients.
• Press evenly into the bottom of the dish to form a compact layer.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes, then remove and carefully drain any excess fat.

3. Cook the Macaroni:

• While the meatloaf bakes, cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. Make the Cheese Sauce:

• In a saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in flour to create a roux.
• Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and thickened (about 4 minutes).
• Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
• Fold in the cooked macaroni.

5. Layer It Up:

• Spread the mac and cheese evenly over the baked meatloaf layer.

6. Make Parmesan Crust:

• In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter.
• Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

7. Final Bake:

• Return casserole to oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly on top.

8. Rest & Serve:

• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or extra cheese if desired.