Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

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

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 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.
  3. Add Sauces:
    • Spread the ketchup and barbecue sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf base.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  7. 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

  1. Can I use pre-cooked macaroni?
    • Yes, you can use pre-cooked macaroni. Just mix it with the cheese and milk as instructed.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Can I use a different type of cracker?
    • Yes, you can use any type of crushed cracker or breadcrumbs as a substitute.
  5. 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).
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. How can I make the casserole spicier?
    • Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the macaroni mixture.
  9. Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?
    • Yes, finely chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or carrots can be added to the meatloaf mixture.
  10. 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!

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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole


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  • Author: khaoula belabess
  • 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

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Title

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

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

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

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

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