Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
A delightful dish that combines the hearty texture of meatloaf with the creamy, cheesy essence of macaroni and cheese, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 460kcal
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Base
- 2 lbs lean ground beef Forms the hearty base of the casserole.
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar BBQ sauce Provides a sweet and tangy kick.
- 1 cup ketchup Complementary to the BBQ sauce.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder Adds subtle aroma.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder Lends extra flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt Balances the dish's flavors.
- 1 teaspoon pepper Enhances overall taste.
- 30 pieces Ritz crackers, crushed Creates texture and depth.
- 2 large eggs Binds ingredients for perfect meatloaf consistency.
- 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix Enhances meaty flavor.
For the Mac and Cheese
- 3 cups macaroni noodles The quintessential comfort food staple.
- 2 cups milk Provides creaminess.
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup Adds gooey texture.
- 4 cups shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend Ensures cheesy perfection.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the ketchup and BBQ sauce, then set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, and half of the BBQ sauce mixture. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Press the meat mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Baking the Meatloaf
- Pour the remaining BBQ sauce blend on top of the meat mixture and bake for 30 minutes.
Preparing the Mac and Cheese
- While the meatloaf bakes, cook the macaroni noodles according to package instructions and then drain.
- In a medium pot, whisk together the milk, cheddar cheese soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the cooked noodles and 2 cups of shredded cheese, mixing until everything is well coated.
Assembling the Casserole
- Once the meatloaf is baked, spoon the creamy mac and cheese mixture over the meatloaf.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake for another 17-20 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to ensure each piece holds its shape.
Notes
You can enhance the dish by adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for heat. For added crunch, use crispy fried onions instead of Ritz crackers. Substituting cheese varieties can add a smoky twist.