Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole – Treat yourself to comfort food by trying our Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. This classic American dish combines the taste of meatloaf with the cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. In over an hour, you can enjoy a satisfying meal that your family and friends will love. Let’s delve into the details!
The first time I made this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole it was truly a revelation. The wonderful aroma that filled my kitchen as it baked was enough to make everyone’s mouths water. Both my husband and child couldn’t resist sneaking tastes while it cooked and their excitement was contagious. This dish instantly became a favorite in our family. I’ve been making it ever since to recreate those cozy, heartwarming moments.
What makes this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole truly comforting?
Discover the combination of comfort foods with our Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. This dish flawlessly blends the sweetness of Sweet Baby Rays Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce, with the mouthwatering tenderness of meatloaf. Topped generously with a melty mixture of mozzarella and cheddar cheese it creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s both simple to prepare and impossible to resist. Whether you’re, in need of a weeknight meal or planning a get-together with loved ones this delightful all-in-one dish is guaranteed to fulfill your appetite and bring a comforting touch to your soul.
What You Need To Make This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe?
Lean Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef, for a healthier twist on meatloaf without sacrificing the delicious taste and texture that comes with it.
Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce: Add Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce in Hickory & Brown Sugar flavor to take the flavor of your meatloaf up a notch thanks to the smokiness notes and sweet brown sugar undertones.
Ritz Crackers and Lipton Onion Soup Mix: Incorporate Ritz Crackers and Lipton Onion Soup Mix into your meatloaf for both added texture and a burst of flavor. The crackers bring a crunch while the onion soup mix adds a savory touch.
Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup: Simplify your mac and cheese component by using condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup as its base. It ensures a simplified preparation process while maintaining a cheesy consistency.
Milk: Include milk in your recipe to create a velvety sauce for the macaroni noodles. Its addition lends a touch enhancing the texture of the dish.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder): Enhance the taste of both meatloaf and mac and cheese with seasonings, like salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. These seasonings provide balance and depth to elevate the flavors.
Shredded Mozzarella and Cheddar Cheese Blend: For a luscious touch top off your casserole with a blend of shredded Mozzarella and Cheddar cheeses. As it melts in the oven it forms a gooey layer of cheesy goodness that enhances every bite.
Steps To Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a mixing bowl combine ketchup and Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce. Set it aside for later.
Step 3: Take a mixing bowl. Place the lean ground beef in it. Add crushed Ritz Crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, eggs and 1/2 cup of the ketchup barbecue sauce mixture.
Step 4: Thoroughly mix all the ingredients together using your hands until they are well combined.
Step 5: Now transfer the meatloaf mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure to press it out evenly.
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Step 6: Spread the remaining ketchup barbecue sauce mixture over the meatloaf.
Step 7: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Step 8: While you wait for the meatloaf to bake cook macaroni noodles according to package directions then drain them.
Step 9: In another mixing bowl whisk together milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until you get a smooth consistency. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Whisk again to combine everything nicely.
Step 10: Add cooked macaroni noodles, to this cheese mixture and stir until they are fully coated. Also, stir in 2 cups of shredded cheese into this mixture.
Step 11: After baking for 30 minutes take out the meatloaf from the oven.
Step 12: Evenly pour the macaroni mixture on top of the meatloaf. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheese over it.
Step 13: Put the dish back, in the oven. Bake it for another 17 to 20 minutes or until the cheese, on top has melted and turned a golden color.
Step 14: Give the casserole some time to cool down before you slice it and serve it.
Tip:
To enrich the flavor you might want to think about incorporating a handful of chopped herbs such as parsley, thyme or rosemary into the meatloaf mixture. These fragrant herbs can boost the taste of the dish. Create a delightful contrast, to the richness and cheesiness. It’s an extra that can make your Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole more unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different types of cheese in the mac and cheese?
Of course! You’re welcome to try out types of cheese when making mac and cheese. It’s a way to create your unique flavor combination.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it?
Definitely! You can make the recipe ahead of time by preparing the casserole, refrigerating it, and then reheating it later when you’re ready to enjoy. Just pop it in the oven or microwave. You’re good to go.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is an alternative to beef. It’s leaner. Still retains all the deliciousness making it a lighter option, for your dish.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 c. ketchup
- 1 c. Sweet Baby Ray's Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 30 Ritz Crackers
- 2 ounces Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 large eggs
- 3 c. macaroni noodles
- 2 c. milk
- 10.5 ounces condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 4 c. shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl combine 1 cup of ketchup with 1 cup of Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue sauce. Set aside this sauce, for later use.
- In a bowl mix together 2 pounds of ground beef, 30 crushed Ritz Crackers, 2 ounces of Lipton onion soup mix, 2 eggs and 1/2 cup of the ketchup barbecue sauce mixture.
- Press the mixture into a greased baking dish measuring around 9x13 inches. Spread the remaining sauce on top.
- Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
- While it bakes, cook 3 cups of macaroni noodles following the instructions on the package. Once cooked drain them well.
- In another bowl whisk together 2 cups of milk and 10.5 ounces of condensed cheddar cheese soup. Add in 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper along with one tablespoon each of powder and onion powder. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth.
- Add the macaroni noodles to the cheese mixture and stir until they are evenly coated. Then add in two cups each of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- After baking for, around half an hour take out the meatloaf from the oven.
- Spread the macaroni mixture evenly over the meatloaf. Sprinkle with two cups of remaining cheese.
- Put it back in the oven. Let it bake for 17 to 20 minutes until the cheese melts and gets a light golden brown color.
- Give it time to cool down then cut it into slices and serve. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
