The Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a delightful fusion of two classic comfort foods: meatloaf and mac and cheese. This hearty dish combines flavorful meatloaf with creamy, cheesy macaroni, making it a perfect meal for family dinners and gatherings. It’s rich, satisfying, and sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 30 Ritz Crackers, crushed
- 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 mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ketchup and barbecue sauce. Set aside.
- Make the Meatloaf:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef. Crush the Ritz Crackers and add them to the bowl.
- Add the Lipton onion soup mix and eggs. Pour in 1/2 cup of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture.
- Mix all ingredients together until fully combined. Press the mixture evenly into the baking dish.
- Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Cook the macaroni noodles according to package directions, then drain.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large bowl, whisk together 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.
- Combine and Bake:
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Pour the macaroni mixture on top and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
- Let sit for a few minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- Cheese Blend: Customize the cheese blend to your preference. A mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack works well.
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers, soup mix, and noodles.
- Make-Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Pair with garlic bread for an extra touch of indulgence.
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of meat?
- Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Can I freeze this casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- What other sauces can I use?
- If you prefer a different flavor, try using a different barbecue sauce or even a tomato-based sauce.
Total Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes (30 minutes for meatloaf + 15 minutes for macaroni)
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutrition:
- Calories: Approximately 600 kcal per serving
- Yield: 8 servings
Enjoy this comforting Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, perfect for family dinners and gatherings!
Recipe Card
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
The Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a delightful fusion of two classic comfort foods: meatloaf and mac and cheese. This hearty dish combines flavorful meatloaf with creamy, cheesy macaroni, making it a perfect meal for family dinners and gatherings. It’s rich, satisfying, and sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients
- – 1 cup ketchup
- – 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
- – 2 lbs lean ground beef
- – 30 Ritz Crackers crushed
- – 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 mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the Sauce:
- – In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ketchup and barbecue sauce. Set aside.
Make the Meatloaf:
- – In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef. Crush the Ritz Crackers and add them to the bowl.
- – Add the Lipton onion soup mix and eggs. Pour in 1/2 cup of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture.
- – Mix all ingredients together until fully combined. Press the mixture evenly into the baking dish.
- – Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture on top.
- – Bake for 30 minutes.
Cook the Macaroni:
- – Cook the macaroni noodles according to package directions, then drain.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- – In a large bowl, whisk together 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.
Combine and Bake:
- – Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Pour the macaroni mixture on top and spread evenly.
- – Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- – Bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
- – Let sit for a few minutes before serving.