If you are craving a cozy, hearty comfort meal that brings together the best of two household favorites, then this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine the rich, savory goodness of a perfectly seasoned meatloaf base layered with creamy, cheesy macaroni, all baked to golden bubbly perfection. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate and will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t worry about complicated shopping lists here; the ingredients are straightforward, bringing out classic flavors and textures that make this casserole irresistible. Each one plays a vital role—from the juicy ground beef and crispy Ritz Crackers adding texture, to the tangy barbecue sauce that gives a smoky sweetness, and of course, the creamy cheeses that knit it all together.
- 2 lbs lean ground beef: The hearty foundation that holds every delicious bite together with satisfying protein.
- 30 Ritz Crackers: Crushed to add moisture retention and a subtle buttery crunch within the meatloaf.
- 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix: Adds a savory depth and a hint of onion flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
- 2 eggs: The binding agents that keep the meatloaf stable and sliceable.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the savory components beautifully.
- 1 tsp pepper: Adds a gentle kick that keeps things interesting without overwhelming.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder: Gives a warm, aromatic punch that pairs wonderfully with the meat.
- 1 tbsp onion powder: To double down on that comforting onion flavor all through the dish.
- 1 cup ketchup: Delivers a tangy sweetness that brightens up the meatloaf base.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (Hickory & Brown Sugar): Brings smoky sweetness and complexity, making every bite memorable.
- 3 cups macaroni noodles: The star of the creamy mac and cheese layer, soft and tender from cooking.
- 2 cups milk: Blends with the cheese soup to create a luscious sauce coating the macaroni perfectly.
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup: The secret shortcut to ultra creamy, velvety mac and cheese without fuss.
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend: For that irresistible melty, golden top and cheesy richness throughout.
How to Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the casserole will bake evenly, so the meatloaf base cooks through just right while the cheese on top melts and browns to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with crushed Ritz Crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything just until combined for tender meatloaf—overmixing can make it tough. This step forms the savory backbone of your casserole.
Step 3: Press Meat Mixture Into Dish
Transfer the meat mixture to a large casserole dish and press it down evenly. This even layer will hold up nicely under the mac and cheese topping, ensuring a balanced bite every time.
Step 4: Add Sauces
Spread ketchup and barbecue sauce evenly on top of the meatloaf layer. These sauces add moisture, tang, and a sweet-smoky punch that elevates the entire dish beyond a typical meatloaf.
Step 5: Prepare the Mac and Cheese
Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until just tender, then drain well. In a bowl, mix the macaroni with milk, condensed cheddar cheese soup, and half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar blend. This creates a silky, cheesy mixture that contrasts beautifully with the meat below.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the cheesy macaroni mixture evenly over the meatloaf base in your casserole dish. Then, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese blend generously on top. This final layer will get delightfully gooey and golden while baking.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is bubbling and has developed a beautiful golden crust. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to let everything set, making it easier to slice and serve.
How to Serve Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving to give your dish a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, slightly peppery bite that balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or even some roasted root vegetables. These sides add brightness and texture, rounding out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family dinner, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish, letting everyone scoop out generous portions. For a more elegant touch, cut individual squares, plate with a side salad, and drizzle a bit of barbecue sauce or a tangy mustard sauce to amp up the flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes for a fantastic quick meal later in the week without losing any of the original flavors.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. To freeze, assemble completely but do not bake, then wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until piping hot and bubbly. To keep the top from drying out during reheating, cover loosely with foil and remove it for the last few minutes to crisp up the cheese.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef gives a rich flavor and classic texture, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of pork and beef for a different flavor profile.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the Ritz Crackers for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and ensure your onion soup mix is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare this casserole completely ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great dish for busy weeknights or when hosting guests, saving you time on the day of serving.
What cheese works best for the shredded blend?
A combination of mozzarella and cheddar is perfect for melting and flavor balance. You can also add a little Monterey Jack or Colby for extra creaminess and mild flavor.
Can I add vegetables to make it healthier?
Definitely! Stirring in chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers into the mac and cheese layer before assembling will sneak in some nutrients without sacrificing taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe that hits all the comfort food notes at once—meaty, cheesy, tangy, and warmly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding your family or bringing it to a potluck, this dish promises to be a memorable hit. I cannot wait for you to try it and make it your go-to weeknight favorite or whenever you crave a slice of cozy deliciousness.
Print
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish combining the classic flavors of meatloaf with creamy macaroni and cheese. Ground beef seasoned with aromatic spices and onion soup mix is baked with a tangy ketchup and barbecue sauce layer, topped with cheesy macaroni and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole offers a delicious twist on traditional meatloaf with rich, cheesy pasta nestled on top.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Base
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 30 Ritz Crackers (crushed)
- 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)
Mac and Cheese
- 3 cups macaroni noodles
- 2 cups milk
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Base: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz Crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly mixed.
- Form Meatloaf Layer: Press the meat mixture into a large casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer to act as the base of the dish.
- Add Sauces: Spread the ketchup and barbecue sauce evenly over the top of the formed meatloaf layer to add moisture and flavor.
- Cook Macaroni: Cook the macaroni noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Mix Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the milk, condensed cheddar cheese soup, and half of the shredded cheese blend to create a creamy cheese mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the meatloaf base in the casserole dish.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend evenly over the top of the assembled casserole.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the meat is fully cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the layers set and to avoid burns. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For extra flavor, add chopped onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture.
- If you prefer a sharper cheese flavor, try adding some grated Parmesan on top before baking.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if straight from the fridge.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
