Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian
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). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ketchup and barbecue sauce. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef. Crush Ritz Crackers and add 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 on top.
Bake for 30 minutes. Cook the macaroni noodles according to package directions, then drain.
In a large bowl, whisk together milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in cooked macaroni and 2 cups of shredded cheese.
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.
Notes:
Customize the cheese blend to your preference.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers, soup mix, and noodles.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Enjoy this comforting Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, perfect for family dinners and gatherings!
My Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole isn't just a recipe; it's a hug in a baking dish! If you're anything like me, you're always searching for that perfect family dinner that brings everyone to the table, and this dish truly delivers. It combines two of the ultimate comfort foods – savory meatloaf and creamy, cheesy macaroni – into one incredible, easy-to-make casserole. Forget those complicated dinners; this one is pure joy and surprisingly simple to whip up, making it my absolute go-to for busy weeknights or when I'm craving something hearty and satisfying. What really makes this Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole shine is the incredible flavor of the meatloaf itself. We're talking about juicy, tender lean ground beef mixed with crushed Ritz Crackers – trust me, those crackers are a game-changer! They keep the meatloaf super moist and add a subtle, buttery richness that you just can't get with breadcrumbs alone. And that glorious topping? A simple yet powerful blend of ketchup and barbecue sauce, creating a glossy, tangy-sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s definitely a step up from just plain ground beef in your mac and cheese; this is a full-blown flavor experience! Now, let's talk about the cheesy macaroni layer. While a simple Kraft Mac n Cheese with ground beef might do in a pinch, this recipe elevates it to a whole new level. We're talking about a rich, creamy sauce made with condensed cheddar cheese soup, milk, and a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend. The combination bakes perfectly on top of the meatloaf, creating layers of pure comfort. Don't be afraid to customize your cheese blend here – a little bit of Colby Jack or even some smoked gouda could add an exciting twist! This meatloaf with mac and cheese is truly something special. For those of you looking for tips to make this dish even better, I've got a few secrets up my sleeve. If you don't have Ritz, any buttery cracker will do, or you can even use plain breadcrumbs, though you might want to add a touch more seasoning. Want to sneak in some veggies? Finely diced onions, bell peppers, or even grated carrots can be mixed into the ground beef for extra flavor and nutrients without anyone noticing! And if you're like me and love a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the macaroni mixture can really awaken those taste buds. This meatloaf mac and cheese casserole is truly versatile! One of the best things about this mac and cheese casserole with meat is its make-ahead potential. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. It’s a lifesaver for meal prep! Plus, leftovers are absolutely divine. A quick reheat in the oven or microwave, and you have another delicious meal ready to go. It's truly a complete meal in one dish, making cleanup a breeze too. So, next time you're wondering what to make for dinner, give this ultimate comfort food a try. Your family will thank you!
It’s in the oven!