When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying as mac and cheese or meatloaf. So why not combine them into one incredible meal? This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a perfect fusion of two beloved classics. Rich, hearty, and filled with cheesy goodness, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s sure to become a regular on your dinner table. Let’s dive into the recipe and find out how to create this indulgent casserole step-by-step.
Ingredients for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and comforting dish:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce (or your favorite barbecue sauce)
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 30 Ritz Crackers, crushed
- 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 eggs
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 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
This combination of ingredients ensures that your casserole will be packed with flavor from the savory meatloaf to the creamy mac and cheese topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will allow the meatloaf and mac and cheese to cook evenly without drying out.
2. Prepare the Ketchup and Barbecue Sauce Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of ketchup and 1 cup of Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce. Set half of this mixture aside for topping the meatloaf later. The combination of ketchup and barbecue sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish that perfectly complements the rich meatloaf.
3. Combine the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
- 2 lbs of lean ground beef
- Crushed Ritz crackers
- Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 eggs
- Half of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture
Mix the ingredients well until fully combined. The crackers and onion soup mix add texture and flavor, while the eggs help bind everything together. Once mixed, press the meatloaf mixture into a greased baking dish.
4. Spread the Remaining Sauce on Top
Take the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture and spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This will create a delicious glaze that caramelizes as it bakes, adding extra flavor and moisture to the meatloaf.
5. Bake the Meatloaf
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. While the meatloaf is baking, you can prepare the mac and cheese portion of the casserole.
6. Cook the Macaroni Noodles
While the meatloaf is in the oven, cook 3 cups of macaroni noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set the noodles aside.
7. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups of milk
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
This creamy cheese sauce is what makes the mac and cheese portion of the casserole so rich and indulgent. Once the sauce is smooth, stir in the cooked macaroni noodles and 2 cups of shredded cheese. Mix well to ensure the macaroni is fully coated in the sauce.
8. Layer the Mac and Cheese Over the Meatloaf
After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven. Pour the prepared mac and cheese mixture over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend over the top.
9. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. This final baking step allows the mac and cheese to set and meld with the meatloaf, creating a cohesive, cheesy casserole.
10. Let It Rest and Serve
Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or extra shredded cheese if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
1. A Two-in-One Comfort Food Experience
This dish combines the best of both worlds—juicy, flavorful meatloaf and creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. It’s a hearty meal that will leave everyone at the table feeling satisfied.
2. Easy to Prepare
Despite its indulgent appearance, this casserole is surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can have a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal ready in about an hour.
3. Family-Friendly
This recipe is perfect for feeding a hungry family. The familiar flavors of meatloaf and mac and cheese are sure to appeal to both kids and adults alike. Plus, you can easily customize the dish by adding extra vegetables or swapping out the cheeses for your favorite varieties.
4. Great for Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), this casserole reheats beautifully. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick, comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
While this casserole is a complete meal on its own, you can serve it with a few simple sides to round out the dinner:
- Green salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or dinner rolls for dipping into the cheesy goodness.
- Roasted vegetables: Pair with roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, combining two classic dishes into one hearty, cheesy meal. It’s easy to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.