Description
The Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a deliciously comforting dish that combines two classic favorites into one hearty meal. A savory meatloaf base made from ground beef, Ritz crackers, and a flavorful ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture is topped with creamy, cheesy macaroni. This layered casserole is then baked to golden perfection, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
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:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ketchup and barbecue sauce, then set aside.
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef. Place Ritz crackers in a large Ziploc bag and crush them using a rolling pin, then add the crumbs to the ground beef. Add the Lipton onion soup mix and eggs to the ground beef mixture. Pour in 1/2 cup of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture. Use your hands to mix all of the ingredients together until fully combined.
Form the Meatloaf:
Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture on top of the meatloaf.
Bake the Meatloaf:
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Cook the Macaroni:
While the meatloaf is baking, cook the macaroni noodles according to the package directions, then drain.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until no lumps remain. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the bowl and whisk well. Stir in the cooked macaroni noodles until they are coated in the liquid. Mix in 2 cups of the shredded cheese.
Combine Meatloaf and Macaroni:
Once the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven. Pour the macaroni mixture on top of the meatloaf and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese on top of the macaroni.
Bake Again:
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted and just starting to brown.
Serve:
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this comforting dish!
Notes
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Substitutions like ground turkey or plant-based meat can make it leaner or vegetarian, while gluten-free pasta and crackers cater to those with dietary restrictions. Adjust the cheese and spices to your liking to create a dish that’s truly your own. This casserole is also great for meal prep, as it can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.