Description
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Combining two beloved classics, this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for family dinners. The savory goodness of meatloaf meets the creamy delight of macaroni and cheese, creating a dish that’s both hearty and comforting. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will surely become a household favorite!
1 cup ketchup
1 cup BBQ sauce
2 lbs lean ground beef
30 Ritz Crackers
2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
2 eggs
3 cups macaroni noodles
2 cups milk
10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
4 cups shredded cheese
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare meatloaf, bake 30 min.
3. Cook macaroni, mix with cheese sauce.
4. Combine meatloaf and macaroni, bake 20 min.
Prep Time: 15 min
Kcal: 549 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Make the Meatloaf Base: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, onion soup mix, and eggs. Mix thoroughly with your hands until just combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Bake the Meatloaf Layer: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup and BBQ sauce. Spread this sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer. Bake for 30 minutes.
4. Prepare the Mac and Cheese: While the meatloaf bakes, cook the macaroni noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain. In a large saucepan, combine the milk, condensed cheddar cheese soup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Warm over medium heat, stirring, until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of the shredded cheese until melted. Fold in the cooked macaroni.
5. Assemble & Final Bake: Once the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, carefully remove it from the oven. Spoon the creamy mac and cheese evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly browned.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set for cleaner slices.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to add a fresh contrast. For a true comfort food feast, serve it with garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up any extra cheese sauce.
How-to Summary
Create a saucy meatloaf base in a dish and bake it. Prepare a simple, creamy stovetop mac and cheese. Layer the mac and cheese over the par-baked meatloaf, top with more cheese, and bake again until golden and bubbly. Let rest before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different ground meat? Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or a beef/pork blend work well. Adjust cooking time slightly for leaner meats to prevent dryness.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the final bake time when cooking from cold.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers? Plain breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers are excellent substitutes. Use about 1 cup of breadcrumbs.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through.
Is there a way to make this less rich? You can use 2% milk, low-fat cheese soup, and reduced-fat cheese. Using 90% lean ground beef will also reduce the overall fat content.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overmixing the meatloaf, as this can make it dense and tough. Do not overcook the macaroni, as it will continue to soften in the oven—aim for al dente. Skipping the 10-minute rest after baking will result in a runny casserole that’s difficult to slice neatly.
Conclusion
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the epitome of family-friendly comfort food, merging two classics into one unforgettable dish. With its simple preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. Follow this guide to avoid common pitfalls and create a perfectly layered, cheesy, and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.