Step 1: Prepare the Mac and Cheese Filling

1. Cook the Macaroni: Begin by preparing the macaroni from your boxed mac and cheese mix. Boil water in a pot, add the macaroni, and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the milk (or cream) and the cheese packet from the boxed mix. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Mix the Mac and Cheese: Add the cooked macaroni back to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated. Set the mac and cheese aside to cool slightly while you prepare the meatloaf mixture.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

4. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a small pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sautéed onions and garlic. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
6. Form the Meatloaf: On a baking sheet or in a large baking dish, shape the meat mixture into a loaf, about 10 inches long and 5 inches wide, making sure it’s even in thickness.

Step 3: Stuff the Meatloaf

7. Make a Well for the Mac and Cheese: Using your fingers or a spoon, create a well in the center of the meatloaf, leaving about 1 inch of space around the edges. You want to create a cavity large enough to hold the macaroni and cheese but not too deep.
8. Stuff the Meatloaf: Spoon the prepared macaroni and cheese into the center of the well, pressing it down gently to fit. You want to make sure the macaroni is packed in securely.
9. Seal the Meatloaf: Carefully fold the sides of the meatloaf over the mac and cheese, sealing the edges and covering the filling completely. Try to avoid any cracks to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.

Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf

10. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Top with Cheese and Ketchup: Once the meatloaf is stuffed and sealed, sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese and drizzle with ketchup for a flavorful glaze.
12. Bake the Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C) and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
13. Rest Before Serving: Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes for easier slicing.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

14. Slice the Meatloaf: After the resting time, slice the Lazy Macaroni and Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf into thick slices. Serve with your favorite side dishes or enjoy on its own.
15. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, you can garnish the meatloaf with extra shredded cheese or fresh parsley. Pair it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.