Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole mixes two favorite comfort foods into one delicious meal. It’s got savory meatloaf topped with creamy, cheesy macaroni that everyone will enjoy. It’s easy to make, perfect for family dinners, and you can even prep it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this casserole is sure to be a hit at your table.
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a delicious fusion of two comfort food classics. Combining savory meatloaf with creamy mac and cheese, it's a dish that's sure to please the whole family.
INGREDIENTS
- Ketchup: Use your favorite brand to mix with barbecue sauce for the topping.
- Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce: Adds a smoky, sweet flavor to the meatloaf.
- Lean ground beef: Provides the base for the meatloaf, keeping it moist and flavorful.
- Ritz Crackers: Crushed and mixed into the meatloaf for a rich, buttery taste.
- Lipton onion soup mix: Adds depth of flavor and seasoning to the meatloaf.
- Eggs: Help bind the meatloaf mixture together.
- Macaroni noodles: Cooked and mixed with cheese sauce for the mac and cheese layer.
- Milk: Used to create a creamy cheese sauce.
- Condensed cheddar cheese soup: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor to the mac and cheese.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the mac and cheese.
- Onion powder: Complements the garlic and adds extra flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend: Provides a gooey, melted cheese topping for the casserole.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Step 2:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ketchup and Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce. This will be used for both mixing into the meatloaf and as a topping.
- Step 3:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the lean ground beef. Crush the Ritz Crackers and add them to the bowl, followed by the Lipton onion soup mix and eggs. Pour in 1/2 cup of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture.
- Step 4:
- Mix all the ingredients together until fully combined. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture over the top of the meatloaf.
- Step 5:
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Step 6:
- While the meatloaf is baking, cook the macaroni noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Step 7:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in the cooked macaroni and 2 cups of shredded cheese until well combined.
- Step 8:
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven after 30 minutes. Pour the macaroni mixture on top of the meatloaf and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese over the top.
- Step 9:
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and starting to brown. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve hot with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a touch of color and freshness.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the meatloaf.
Helpful Notes
- Customize the cheese blend to suit your taste. Try using sharp cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers, onion soup mix, and macaroni noodles.
- You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests letting the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, making it more tender.
- Jamie Oliver recommends adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
- Nigella Lawson loves using a blend of cheeses for mac and cheese to create a more complex flavor profile.