Introduction
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of meatloaf with creamy, cheesy macaroni. Perfect for a family meal or a potluck, this casserole brings together familiar favorites in a deliciously satisfying way.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Base:
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 30 Ritz Crackers
- 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (Hickory & Brown Sugar)
For the Mac and Cheese Layer:
- 3 cups macaroni noodles
- 2 cups milk
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Directions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Meatloaf Base:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz Crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Press the meat mixture into a large casserole dish, forming an even layer.
- Add Sauces:
- Spread the ketchup and barbecue sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf base.
- Prepare the Mac and Cheese:
- Cook the macaroni noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cooked macaroni with milk, condensed cheddar cheese soup, and half of the shredded cheese blend.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Layer the macaroni mixture evenly over the meatloaf base in the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese blend over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Meat Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Cheese Choices: Use different cheese blends like Monterey Jack or Gouda for varied flavors.
- Vegetables: Add vegetables like bell peppers or peas to the macaroni mixture for extra nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
10 FAQs
- Can I use pre-cooked macaroni?
- Yes, you can use pre-cooked macaroni. Just mix it with the cheese and milk as instructed.
- What if I don’t have Lipton onion soup mix?
- You can use a homemade seasoning mix with dried onions, garlic powder, and a touch of salt.
- Can I freeze this casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Can I use a different type of cracker?
- Yes, you can use any type of crushed cracker or breadcrumbs as a substitute.
- How do I know when the casserole is done?
- The casserole is done when the top is golden and bubbly, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it when ready.
- What can I use instead of condensed cheddar cheese soup?
- You can use a cheese sauce or make a homemade cheese sauce with milk, butter, flour, and shredded cheese.
- How can I make the casserole spicier?
- Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the macaroni mixture.
- Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?
- Yes, finely chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or carrots can be added to the meatloaf mixture.
- Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
- Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Just portion it out into individual containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
Conclusion
The Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines the best of meatloaf and macaroni and cheese. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd. With its creamy, cheesy layers and savory meatloaf base, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying casserole as a hearty meal any time of the week!
PrintMac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines two classic comfort foods into one hearty dish. Featuring a savory meatloaf base topped with creamy macaroni and cheese, this casserole is perfect for a filling family dinner or a potluck gathering. It’s both satisfying and easy to make, blending familiar flavors in a deliciously indulgent way.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Meatloaf Base:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz Crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Press the meat mixture into a large casserole dish, forming an even layer.
- Add Sauces:
- Spread the ketchup and barbecue sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf base.
- Prepare the Mac and Cheese:
- Cook the macaroni noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cooked macaroni with milk, condensed cheddar cheese soup, and half of the shredded cheese blend.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Layer the macaroni mixture evenly over the meatloaf base in the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese blend over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to use different cheese blends like Monterey Jack or Gouda for varied flavors.
- Vegetable Add-ins: For added nutrition, you can mix in vegetables such as peas, bell peppers, or corn into the macaroni layer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg