When it comes to comfort food, it doesn’t get much better than Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. Imagine all the cozy goodness of a classic meatloaf—tender, savory, and rich—paired with the creamy, cheesy dreaminess of macaroni and cheese. Now, combine the two in a single dish, and you’ve got something truly special. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup that’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal that will satisfy the whole family.
What’s even better is that this dish is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, looking for a cozy family dinner, or preparing a dish that will impress at your next potluck, this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is guaranteed to hit the spot. The smoky, tangy flavor of the barbecue sauce pairs perfectly with the juicy meatloaf, while the velvety, cheesy macaroni balances everything out in the most delightful way.
I have to say, this casserole has become one of my go-to recipes for big gatherings or when I’m craving some serious comfort food. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! Let’s walk through the steps so you can whip up this delicious dish yourself.
Ingredients for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Before diving into the steps, here’s everything you’ll need to gather for this hearty casserole:
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1 cup ketchup
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1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
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2 lbs lean ground beef
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30 Ritz Crackers
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2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
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2 eggs
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3 cups macaroni noodles
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2 cups milk
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10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp pepper
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1 tbsp garlic powder
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1 tbsp onion powder
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4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Pro Tip: If you like a little extra kick in your dishes, I highly recommend adding a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the barbecue sauce. This little tweak gives the casserole a nice subtle heat without overpowering the flavors.
Steps for Making Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Now, let’s dive into the delicious steps of bringing this casserole to life. It’s actually easier than it sounds, so don’t be intimidated—let’s do this!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Mix the Sauces
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grab a medium mixing bowl and combine the ketchup with the barbecue sauce. This sauce mixture will be used for both the meatloaf and to add that sweet, smoky glaze on top. Set it aside for now—trust me, it’ll be worth the wait.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf
In a large mixing bowl, add the lean ground beef. You want a good quality beef here to keep things juicy and flavorful. Next, take your Ritz crackers and place them into a large Ziploc bag. Use a rolling pin (or your hands, if you’re feeling feisty) to crush the crackers into fine crumbs. Add the crushed Ritz crackers to the ground beef mixture—they’ll help bind everything together and add a touch of flavor.
Now, add in the Lipton onion soup mix. This is a secret ingredient that gives the meatloaf an incredible depth of flavor without much effort. Crack the eggs into the mixture, then pour in about half of the ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture that you prepared earlier.
Using your hands (get in there!), mix everything together until it’s well-combined. The texture should be firm but pliable—perfect for forming into a meatloaf.
Step 3: Form and Bake the Meatloaf
Next, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the dish. Don’t worry about perfection—just make sure it’s evenly spread out. Once that’s done, take the remaining ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture and spread it generously over the top of the meatloaf. This will create that beautiful, glossy glaze as it bakes.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. While the meatloaf is baking, you can start prepping the mac and cheese.
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: The Comfort Food Dream Continues
Welcome back! By now, your kitchen is probably smelling like heaven with that meatloaf baking in the oven. The good news is, we’re about to add a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese layer that will take this casserole to the next level. Trust me, you’re going to love how everything comes together. The combination of smoky, tangy barbecue meatloaf and rich, velvety mac and cheese is just too good to resist!
Now that we’ve got the meatloaf halfway done, let’s move on to the mac and cheese portion of the casserole. This is where things get extra cheesy and comforting. Let’s dive right in!
Steps for Completing Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Step 4: Cook the Macaroni Noodles
Start by cooking your macaroni noodles according to the package directions. Once they’re cooked and tender, drain them well. You don’t want any extra water in the noodles, so make sure to let them sit in the colander for a minute or two to get rid of any excess moisture.
I personally love using elbow macaroni for this dish because the small, curved shape holds the creamy cheese sauce beautifully. But feel free to use any short pasta you have on hand—penne, rotini, or shells all work wonderfully here.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheesy Sauce
Now comes the fun part—making the creamy, cheesy sauce. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup. You want to make sure the soup is fully incorporated into the milk, so there are no lumps. This is the base for your mac and cheese sauce, and it’s going to give it that rich, velvety texture that everyone loves.
Once your base is smooth, it’s time to add the seasoning. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, then whisk again to combine. These simple seasonings really elevate the flavor of the mac and cheese, making it just the right amount of savory and comforting.
Step 6: Combine the Noodles and Cheese
Next, stir in the cooked macaroni noodles and mix until the noodles are fully coated in the cheesy sauce. This is when you can start to see the magic happen—the noodles start to soak up that creamy goodness, making them even more irresistible.
Now, stir in 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend. This is the cheese that will help make the sauce gooey and melty. Keep mixing until the cheese is fully incorporated into the sauce, and the whole thing is creamy and smooth.
Step 7: Top the Meatloaf with the Mac and Cheese
Once the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes and is nice and juicy, remove it from the oven. You’ll notice the sauce on top has caramelized slightly, creating that delicious barbecue glaze. Now, it’s time to add the mac and cheese layer!
Pour the prepared macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring the meatloaf is fully covered with the cheesy goodness. At this point, you might think it’s already perfect, but we’re not done yet!
Step 8: Add the Final Cheese Layer
To finish off this incredible casserole, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese over the top of the mac and cheese. This will form a golden, bubbly cheese crust that gets perfectly melty and slightly browned in the oven.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it toward the end—you’ll know it’s done when the cheese on top is completely melted and starting to turn a golden brown.
Step 9: Let It Rest and Serve
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This gives the layers a chance to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Trust me, as tempting as it is to dive right in, letting it rest for a bit will make a world of difference in how neat your slices turn out.
After that short wait, grab a sharp knife and slice into this cheesy masterpiece. Serve it up hot, and get ready for some serious comfort food satisfaction.
A Few Tips and Variations
While the base recipe is already amazing, there are a few ways you can customize it to suit your tastes even more.
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Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the barbecue sauce before spreading it over the meatloaf. This will add a nice subtle kick without overpowering the flavors.
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Add Veggies: For an extra nutritional boost, consider mixing in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the meatloaf mixture. They’ll add a pop of color and flavor.
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Lean Version: If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey. You can also use low-fat cheese and a lighter version of the condensed cheddar cheese soup.
This casserole is so flexible, and you can easily adapt it to your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we’ve walked through the entire process of making this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, you might still have a few questions on your mind. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Below are some common questions and helpful tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time.
FAQ Section
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead of time. You can assemble the meatloaf and macaroni cheese layers the night before and store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply bake it as directed. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from a colder temperature.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta for the mac and cheese?
Of course! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can swap it for any short pasta that you prefer. Penne, rotini, or even shells would work just as well. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get too soft after being baked.
3. Can I substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, you can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. If using ground turkey, I recommend adding a little extra seasoning to keep it flavorful, since turkey can be a bit milder than beef.
4. How can I make the casserole spicier?
If you want to add some heat to your casserole, there are a couple of easy ways to do so. You can stir some hot sauce or red pepper flakes into the barbecue sauce before applying it to the meatloaf. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder into the mac and cheese sauce for an extra kick.
5. Can I use a different type of cheese in the mac and cheese?
Absolutely! The blend of mozzarella and cheddar is fantastic because it gives you a nice balance of creaminess and sharp flavor, but feel free to experiment. You can use a sharp cheddar for more bite, or add a bit of Monterey Jack or Colby for a different flavor profile. If you’re a fan of creamy cheese sauces, you could also incorporate some cream cheese for extra richness.
6. What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
No worries! If you don’t have Ritz crackers on hand, you can substitute them with any buttery cracker you like. Saltines, Club crackers, or even crushed-up breadcrumbs will work as well. The idea is to create a binding texture for the meatloaf, so whatever you use should still have a nice buttery flavor.
7. How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers from this casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again. The flavors may even improve after sitting overnight, making it perfect for lunch the next day!
Conclusion
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, combining two classic comfort foods into one unforgettable dish. It’s the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and smoky, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can make a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something hearty and delicious, this casserole is guaranteed to become a favorite.
I hope you’re excited to try it for yourself—don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Have fun experimenting with variations and make it your own. And remember, no matter how you tweak it, the result will be the same: a comforting, cheesy, meaty masterpiece that’s sure to satisfy.
So, get in the kitchen and enjoy this hearty dish—it’s one you’ll want to make again and again!
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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Description
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a comfort food masterpiece that combines two beloved dishes into one hearty, cheesy meal. The savory meatloaf is topped with a creamy, cheesy macaroni layer, creating a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The smoky sweetness of the barbecue sauce complements the tender meatloaf, while the rich mac and cheese adds a creamy contrast. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a filling weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
1 cup ketchup
1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue 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 mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ketchup and barbecue sauce, then set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef. Place the Ritz crackers in a large Ziploc bag and crush them using a rolling pin, then add the crumbs to the ground beef.
Add the Lipton onion soup mix and eggs to the ground beef mixture. Pour in 1/2 cup of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture.
Use your hands to mix all of the ingredients together until fully combined. Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture on top of the meatloaf.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. While the meatloaf is baking, cook the macaroni noodles according to the package directions, then drain.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until no lumps remain.
Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the bowl and whisk well. Stir in the cooked macaroni noodles until they are coated in the liquid. Mix in 2 cups of the shredded cheese.
Once the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven. Pour the macaroni mixture on top of the meatloaf and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese on top of the macaroni.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted and just starting to brown.
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For an extra kick, you can mix some hot sauce or red pepper flakes into the barbecue sauce before applying it to the meatloaf. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef and use low-fat cheese and soup. You can also add in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatloaf mixture for more flavor and nutrition. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and make a great lunch the next day!
