Description
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up. Savory meatloaf is topped with creamy, cheesy macaroni, all baked together in one hearty dish. A sweet and smoky barbecue glaze adds a bold kick, while the melted cheese on top finishes it off with irresistible gooeyness. Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or making ahead for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 cup ketchup
1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
2 lbs lean ground beef
30 Ritz Crackers
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
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, combine the ketchup and barbecue sauce. Set aside for later.
In a large bowl, place the ground beef. Crush the Ritz crackers in a large zip-top bag using a rolling pin, then add the crumbs to the beef. Add the Lipton onion soup mix, eggs, and ½ cup of the prepared ketchup-barbecue sauce. Mix thoroughly with your hands until fully combined.
Transfer the meatloaf mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and press it down evenly. Spread the remaining ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture over the top.
Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes.
While the meatloaf bakes, cook the macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Drain well.
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated. Mix in 2 cups of the shredded cheese.
After 30 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spread the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheese over the macaroni layer.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 17-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and just starting to brown on top.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
For a smoky twist, try using smoked cheddar or gouda in the cheese blend. You can also substitute ground turkey or pork in the meatloaf. This dish is rich and filling on its own, but pairs nicely with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables on the side. Leftovers reheat well and make for a decadent next-day lunch.