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Close-up of a sliced Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole with gooey cheese and fresh herbs on top

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

  • Author: Charlotte
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8–10 servings 1x

Description

If you’re craving comfort food that really satisfies, this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines two family favorites into one unforgettable dish. A tender, flavorful meatloaf base is topped with creamy, cheesy macaroni and baked until bubbling and golden. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want a hearty meal that brings people together.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Base:

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 2 ounces Lipton onion soup mix
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce

Macaroni Layer:

  • 3 cups dry macaroni noodles
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend (divided)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine ketchup and barbecue sauce. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the meatloaf: Mix ground beef, crushed crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, and ½ cup of the sauce. Press into baking dish. Spread remaining sauce on top.
  4. Bake the meatloaf base: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
  5. Cook the macaroni: While the meatloaf bakes, cook macaroni noodles per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  6. Make the cheese sauce: In a bowl, whisk milk, cheddar cheese soup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in noodles and 2 cups cheese.
  7. Assemble the casserole: Spread macaroni mixture over meatloaf, top with remaining 2 cups cheese.
  8. Finish baking: Return to oven for 17–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden.
  9. Cool and serve: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free crackers and pasta. Replace cheddar cheese soup with a gluten-free cheese sauce.
  • Add-ins: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce or sautéed onions/jalapeños to the meatloaf for extra flavor.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 620
  • Fat: 36g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Protein: 35g

Keywords: mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, cheesy meatloaf bake, comfort food casserole, mac and cheese layered meatloaf

Find it online: https://www.recipesoven.com/mac-and-cheese-meatloaf-casserole/