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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole served in a dish, garnished and ready to eat
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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

A delectable combination of meatloaf and macaroni and cheese, this casserole provides a comforting, hearty meal perfect for families and gatherings.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Casserole, comfort food, Family Meal, Mac and Cheese, Meatloaf
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 450kcal

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

  • 2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 30 pieces Ritz crackers, crushed Can substitute with breadcrumbs or panko
  • 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar BBQ sauce For the meatloaf mixture

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar BBQ sauce For topping the meatloaf

For the Mac and Cheese

  • 3 cups macaroni noodles Cook according to package instructions
  • 2 cups milk
  • 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend 2 cups for mixing with macaroni, 2 cups for topping

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a bowl, whisk together the ketchup and BBQ sauce until well combined, and set aside.

Meatloaf Assembly

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, and ½ cup of the prepared sauce blend. Mix thoroughly.
  • Press the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Spread the remaining BBQ sauce blend over the top of the meatloaf layer.

Baking the Meatloaf

  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes.

Macaroni Preparation

  • While the meatloaf bakes, cook the macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a separate pot, whisk together the milk, cheddar cheese soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Stir the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce and add 2 cups of the shredded cheese blend. Mix until fully coated.

Assembling the Casserole

  • Once the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, spoon the mac and cheese over the top and spread evenly.
  • Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.

Final Baking

  • Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a spicy twist, consider adding diced jalapeños or chopped green onions to the meatloaf mixture. To lighten the dish, swap half the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Leftovers can be stored wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.