Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
A delightful casserole that combines savory meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 580kcal
Ingredients
Meatloaf Base
- 2 lbs lean ground beef Protein powerhouse.
- 30 count Ritz crackers, crushed For crunch and texture.
- 2 large eggs Helps bind the mixture together.
- 1 oz Lipton onion soup mix Adds savory umami flavor.
- 1 cup ketchup For a sweet and tangy note.
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar BBQ sauce Lends a sweet smoky flavor.
Mac and Cheese Layer
- 3 cups macaroni noodles Perfect pasta to soak up flavor.
- 2 cups milk Makes the sauce creamy.
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup Vital ingredient for cheesy goodness.
- 4 cups shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend Creates a gooey crust.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder Adds aromatic richness.
- 1 tbsp onion powder Enhances the savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon salt Enhances the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon pepper Adds a gentle kick.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the ketchup and BBQ sauce; set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the lean ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, and half of the sauce blend.
- Press the meat mixture into a greased 9×13" baking dish.
- Spread the remaining sauce blend on top of the meat mixture.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- While the meatloaf is baking, cook the macaroni noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- In a 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 the shredded cheese to the sauce; stir well.
- Spoon the mac and cheese mixture over the baked meatloaf.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Bake for another 17–20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Consider adding diced bell peppers or green onions for extra flavor. For a lighter option, substitute half the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.