This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect fusion of two comfort food classics: cheesy mac and cheese and hearty meatloaf. Combining creamy mac and cheese with savory meatloaf, this casserole is a great option for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in. The dish is packed with flavor and sure to please everyone around the table!
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:
1️⃣ Prepare the Meatloaf:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine ketchup and barbecue sauce. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef. Crush the Ritz crackers in a large Ziploc bag with a rolling pin and add the crumbs to the beef.
- Add the Lipton onion soup mix and eggs to the meat mixture, then pour in half of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture.
- Mix everything together by hand until well combined. Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing it evenly.
- Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture on top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
2️⃣ Prepare the Mac and Cheese:
- While the meatloaf is baking, cook the macaroni noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth.
- Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the mixture, then stir in the cooked macaroni. Mix in 2 cups of the shredded cheese.
3️⃣ Assemble the Casserole:
- After baking the meatloaf for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven.
- Pour the prepared mac and cheese mixture over the meatloaf, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese on top of the macaroni.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted and starting to brown.
4️⃣ Serve:
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole!
Tips & Variations:
- Add veggies: Consider mixing in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the meatloaf mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For extra flavor: Add crispy bacon bits to the mac and cheese layer or mix some herbs like parsley or thyme into the meatloaf.
- Healthier options: Swap ground turkey for ground beef or use gluten-free breadcrumbs if necessary.
Storage & Reheating:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes.
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