Cozy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe For Busy Nights

Comfort food takes on a whole new level with this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole that combines two classic favorites into one irresistible dish.

Creamy pasta mingles with savory ground beef, creating a hearty meal that speaks to the soul of home cooking.

Layers of melted cheese and seasoned meat promise a delightful experience for anyone seeking a satisfying dinner.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of rich, meaty flavors and cheesy goodness.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Warm, filling, and utterly delicious, this casserole stands ready to become your new go-to comfort food solution.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this ultimate comfort classic.

What Makes Mac and Meatloaf Casserole Work

• Elevate Home Cooking: Discover a comfort food masterpiece that transforms ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Meal: This recipe combines two classic favorites – meatloaf and mac and cheese – into one delicious, hearty dish that guarantees smiles around the table.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort: Children and adults will love the cheesy, savory combination that makes this casserole irresistibly delicious and satisfying.
• Simple Preparation Magic: With straightforward ingredients and easy mixing techniques, home cooks of all skill levels can confidently create this mouthwatering meal without complicated steps.

Ingredients for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A lean protein that forms the hearty foundation of this dish.

• Ritz Crackers, Lipton Onion Soup Mix: Crunchy crackers and savory seasoning add amazing flavor.

• Eggs: Help hold the meatloaf together with rich texture.

• Ketchup, Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and tangy sauces that boost moisture and taste.

• Macaroni Noodles: Classic pasta that makes this casserole creamy and comforting.

• Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup, Shredded Cheese: Creamy and melty cheese that creates ultimate richness.

• Milk: Smooth base that helps blend cheese elements.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Simple seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile.

Steps to Make Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Kickstart the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F and get ready for some serious comfort cooking.

Step 2: Craft the Savory Sauce

In a medium bowl, blend ketchup and barbecue sauce into a mouth-watering mixture.

Step 3: Build the Meaty Base

Grab a large bowl and prepare to get hands-on with ground beef.

• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Lipton onion soup mix
• Eggs
• Half of the prepared sauce

Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until perfectly combined.

Step 4: Create the Meatloaf Foundation

Press the meat mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Spread the remaining sauce on top.

Step 5: First Baking Round

Slide the meatloaf into the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare Creamy Macaroni

While the meatloaf bakes, cook macaroni according to package instructions.

• Milk
• Condensed cheddar cheese soup
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Stir in cooked macaroni and mix in 2 cups of shredded cheese.

Step 7: Combine and Final Bake

Remove meatloaf from oven and pour macaroni mixture on top.

Sprinkle remaining cheese over the surface.

Return to oven and bake for 17-20 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes, then slice and enjoy your ultimate comfort food creation!

Pro Tips for a Savory Mac-Meatloaf Bake

• Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy glass to crush Ritz crackers into fine, even crumbs for better meatloaf texture and consistent binding.
• Always mix meatloaf ingredients with clean hands to ensure even distribution and prevent overworking, which can make the meat tough.
• Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make slicing easier without losing moisture.
• Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey and use low-fat cheese and condensed soup to create a healthier version of this comfort dish.
• Experiment with different sauce combinations like sriracha ketchup or honey mustard instead of traditional ketchup and barbecue sauce for unique flavor profiles.

Save and Reheat This Casserole Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Sides That Pair with Mac-Meatloaf Casserole

• Pair a Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the rich, meaty flavor of this hearty casserole. The wine's tannins will cut through the creamy cheese and balance the savory elements.
• Create a Crisp Side Salad: Toss together a zesty green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. The fresh, acidic notes will provide a bright contrast to the heavy, comforting main dish.
• Serve with Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli with garlic and olive oil. The caramelized, slightly charred vegetables will add texture and a hint of smokiness that echoes the barbecue sauce in the meatloaf.
• Recommend a Craft Beer Pairing: Select an amber ale or brown ale with malty undertones. These beer styles will enhance the rich, savory flavors of the mac and cheese meatloaf casserole while providing a refreshing counterpoint.

New Twists on Mac and Cheese Meatloaf

• Gluten-Free Meatloaf Casserole: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use gluten-free condensed cheese soup and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute macaroni with riced cauliflower or cauliflower florets. Reduce crackers and use almond flour as a binding agent. Select low-carb cheese and omit condensed soup.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based ingredients. Add extra seasonings like smoked paprika to enhance flavor profile.
• Turkey Lean Protein Option: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey breast. Maintain same seasoning proportions. Reduce fat content while keeping similar texture and taste characteristics.

FAQs

• What kind of crackers work best for the meatloaf base?

Ritz crackers are ideal because they provide a buttery, crisp texture that helps bind the meatloaf ingredients together and adds a subtle richness to the meat mixture.

• Can I substitute the condensed cheddar cheese soup?

You can use cream of mushroom or homemade cheese sauce, but the condensed cheddar soup provides a consistent creamy texture and cheesy flavor that works perfectly in this recipe.

• Why mix ketchup and barbecue sauce for the meatloaf topping?

The combination creates a tangy, sweet glaze that adds depth of flavor to the meatloaf, giving it a more complex and delicious taste profile compared to using just one sauce.

• Is it necessary to use both onion powder and Lipton onion soup mix?

The Lipton soup mix and onion powder work together to enhance the savory flavor of the meatloaf, providing layers of onion taste that make the dish more robust and delicious.

Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets innovation in this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, blending hearty Midwestern flavors with creamy pasta perfection. Cheese-lovers will savor each forkful of this classic comfort dish that promises satisfaction in every comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) lean ground beef
• 2 eggs

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup Sweet Baby Rays Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
• 2 ounces (57 grams) Lipton onion soup mix
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder

Pasta, Cheese, and Crackers:

• 3 cups macaroni noodles
• 2 cups milk
• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
• 30 Ritz Crackers

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Instructions

1. Prepare the flavor base by whisking together ketchup and barbecue sauce in a medium bowl, setting aside for later use.
2. Crush Ritz crackers thoroughly in a large Ziploc bag using a rolling pin until finely ground.
3. Combine ground beef with crushed cracker crumbs, Lipton onion soup mix, eggs, and half of the prepared sauce mixture in a large mixing bowl.
4. Gently mix ingredients by hand until uniformly incorporated, taking care not to overwork the meat.
5. Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, pressing to create an even layer.
6. Spread the remaining sauce mixture evenly across the top of the meatloaf.
7. Roast the meatloaf in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
8. Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain completely.
9. Create a creamy sauce by whisking milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth.
10. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, mixing thoroughly.
11. Fold cooked macaroni into the seasoned sauce, ensuring complete coating.
12. Incorporate 2 cups of shredded cheese into the macaroni mixture.
13. After the initial baking, remove meatloaf from oven and carefully spread macaroni layer on top.
14. Sprinkle remaining 2 cups of cheese over the macaroni layer.
15. Return casserole to oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes until cheese melts and develops a light golden color.
16. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help set and make cutting easier.

Notes

• Cracker Crushing Tip: Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy skillet to crush Ritz crackers, ensuring they break into fine, even crumbs for better meatloaf texture.
• Meat Mixing Technique: Mix the meatloaf ingredients gently with clean hands to prevent overworking the meat, which can make the final dish tough and dense.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking to prevent cheese from burning while ensuring complete melting.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds and use cauliflower instead of macaroni for a lower-carbohydrate version of the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 1000 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg