Description
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food fusion, combining the hearty flavors of a classic meatloaf with the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish layers a savory meatloaf base with a rich mac and cheese topping, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
1 cup ketchup
1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
2 lbs lean ground beef
30 Ritz Crackers, crushed
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 oven to 350°F.
Mix ketchup and barbecue sauce. Set aside.
Combine ground beef, crushed crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, and half of the ketchup mixture. Press into a greased baking dish. Top with remaining ketchup mixture.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Cook macaroni, drain, and mix with milk, cheddar cheese soup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and 2 cups cheese.
Spread macaroni mixture over meatloaf, top with remaining cheese.
Bake for an additional 17-20 minutes.
Notes
- Ingredient Quality:
- Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor. Lean ground beef (85% lean) works well to reduce excess fat without sacrificing moisture.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a creamier texture than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- Customizations:
- Feel free to customize the cheese blend based on your preferences. Gruyère, Gouda, or even Pepper Jack can add unique flavors.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Preparation Tips:
- Make sure to mix the meatloaf ingredients thoroughly to ensure even seasoning throughout the meat.
- Cook the macaroni just until al dente to avoid overcooking it in the oven.
- Make Ahead:
- This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance its richness.
- A side of garlic bread or a fresh loaf of crusty bread complements the meal perfectly.
- Storage and Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to three months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with aluminum foil to retain moisture, for 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 549 kcal
