Scrumptious Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe For Dinner

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole that blends two classic favorites into one irresistible dish.

Cheesy layers mingle with savory ground beef, creating a hearty meal perfect for weekend gatherings.

Crispy edges and creamy centers promise a delightful texture combination that’ll make mouths water.

Weeknight dinners just got an incredible upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, ensuring you can whip up this comforting meal in no time.

Melted cheese, seasoned meat, and tender pasta promise a culinary experience that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s dive right into this mouthwatering recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

What Goes in Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: Flavorful protein packed with rich taste.
• Onion Soup Mix: Convenient seasoning for extra depth.
• Eggs: Binding agent for meatloaf texture.

• Crushed Crackers: Crunchy component that helps hold meat together.

• Ketchup: Classic tangy red sauce.
• Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and smoky flavor enhancer.

• Macaroni: Classic curved pasta perfect for casseroles.
• Cheddar Cheese Soup: Creamy base for mac and cheese layer.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping for extra cheesy goodness.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic flavor enhancers.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spice blend.

• Milk: Helps create smooth cheese sauce.

How to Bake the Meatloaf Mac Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Zone

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F, getting it ready for the delicious magic about to happen.

Step 2: Create Tangy Sauce Blend

Whisk together ketchup and barbecue sauce in a small bowl, creating a mouthwatering coating.

Set this flavor bomb aside for later.

Step 3: Craft the Meaty Base

• Ground beef
• Crushed crackers
• Onion soup mix
• Eggs
• Half of the prepared sauce mixture

Firmly press this hearty mixture into a greased baking dish, then generously drizzle the remaining sauce on top.

Step 4: First Baking Round

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until it starts looking golden and delicious.

Step 5: Prepare Creamy Macaroni Layer

While the meatloaf bakes, cook macaroni according to package instructions.

• Milk
• Cheddar cheese soup
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Shredded cheese

Step 6: Build the Ultimate Casserole

Spread the cheesy macaroni mixture evenly over the partially baked meatloaf.

Sprinkle additional cheese on top for extra indulgence.

Step 7: Final Baking Blitz

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 17-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a golden, irresistible top.

Cooking Tips for Creamy Mac and Cheese Casserole

• Mix ground beef gently to prevent tough, dense meatloaf and keep it tender and juicy.
• Crush crackers finely for even distribution, ensuring a consistent texture throughout the meatloaf.
• Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make cutting easier.
• Swap regular crackers with seasoned or whole wheat varieties for unique taste and nutrition.
• Prepare meatloaf mixture and mac and cheese separately in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Meatloaf Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm. Add splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

Sides That Go with Mac and Cheese Casserole

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese.
• Crisp Side Salad: Create a tangy green salad with vinaigrette dressing to cut through the dish's heaviness and provide refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare garlic-seasoned roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts to add nutritional balance and enhance the meal's overall texture and flavor profile.
• Cold Beer Pairing: Choose a robust amber ale or dark lager that stands up to the hearty casserole's intense taste and helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Ideas to Switch Up the Meatloaf Casserole Combo

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free cheddar cheese soup for a celiac-friendly version.
• Lean Protein Alternative: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat meatloaf base.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Use plant-based ground meat substitute, vegetable broth instead of eggs, and dairy-free cheese for a meatless casserole option.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the classic comfort food feel.

FAQs

• How can I make the meatloaf extra moist?

Use crushed crackers and eggs to help bind the meat and keep it tender. The added ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture also helps lock in moisture during baking.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or a mix of ground meats to create your preferred flavor and texture profile.

• What if I don't have onion soup mix?

You can replace the onion soup mix with a combination of dried minced onion, salt, and garlic powder to achieve a similar seasoning effect in the meatloaf.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids typically love mac and cheese and meatloaf, so this combination creates a crowd-pleasing dish that combines two comfort food favorites in one casserole.

Why Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Is a Hit

• Easy Family Feast: Combines two beloved comfort foods – mac and cheese and meatloaf – into one delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies everyone's cravings.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Requires simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a hearty meal without complicated techniques.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort: Packed with cheesy goodness and familiar flavors that children love, this casserole transforms classic dishes into an exciting, fun dinner that parents can easily prepare.
• One-Pan Dish: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a single baking dish, saving time and effort while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction for busy families.

Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets innovation in this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, blending hearty midwest flavors with creamy pasta goodness. Cheesy layers promise a satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table, delivering pure culinary comfort in every delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 3 cups macaroni noodles
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
• 30 Ritz Crackers, crushed

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup Sweet Baby Rays Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
• 2 ounces (56 grams) Lipton onion soup mix
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder

Binding and Creamy Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) condensed cheddar cheese soup

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the tangy glaze by blending ketchup and barbecue sauce, setting it aside for later use.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef with crumbled crackers, onion soup mix, and eggs, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
3. Transfer the meat mixture into a greased baking dish, gently pressing to create an even layer.
4. Drizzle half of the prepared ketchup-barbecue glaze over the meatloaf, coating the surface evenly.
5. Slide the baking dish into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 30 minutes until the meat is partially cooked.
6. Meanwhile, cook macaroni in boiling water until al dente, then drain completely.
7. Create a creamy sauce by whisking cheddar cheese soup with milk, incorporating salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for robust flavor.
8. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta strand is generously coated.
9. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese into the macaroni mixture, stirring to distribute evenly.
10. Spread the cheesy macaroni layer over the partially baked meatloaf, creating a uniform covering.
11. Top with remaining cheese and finish with the reserved ketchup-barbecue glaze.
12. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter, healthier version that reduces saturated fat intake.
• Crush gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly and accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Add finely diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the meat mixture for extra nutrition and hidden veggie boost.
• Use low-sodium onion soup mix and reduced-fat cheese to create a more heart-conscious meal without sacrificing flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg