If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Combining the meaty, savory goodness of classic meatloaf with the creamy, cheesy indulgence of mac and cheese, this dish brings the best of both worlds into one unforgettable casserole. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or any time you want to treat yourself to something rich, cozy, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple but powerful ingredients come together in this recipe, each playing an essential role in delivering incredible flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden finish. From the tangy zing of barbecue sauce to the creamy comfort of cheddar cheese soup, every item is a building block for this hearty meal.
- 1 cup ketchup: Adds a classic tang and helps create a flavorful glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce: Brings smoky sweetness to balance the savory meat.
- 2 lbs lean ground beef: The hearty base that makes this casserole so satisfying and filling.
- 30 Ritz Crackers, crushed: A secret binder that keeps the meatloaf moist and tender while adding a subtle buttery taste.
- 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix: Infuses the meat with rich onion flavor and seasoning simplicity.
- 2 large eggs: Helps hold the meatloaf together for perfect slicing and serving.
- 3 cups macaroni noodles, uncooked: The classic pasta that will soak up flavors and soften beautifully in the casserole.
- 2 cups milk: Used to make the creamy cheese sauce that envelops the noodles.
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup: Adds concentrated cheesy flavor and smooth texture.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- 1 tsp pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth of flavor.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder: Brings savory warmth throughout the casserole.
- 1 tbsp onion powder: Boosts the aromatic richness of the meatloaf mix.
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend, divided: Provides gooey, melty cheesiness on top and throughout the casserole.
How to Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple prep step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out perfectly when baked.
Step 2: Mix the Delicious Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce. This glaze will add that irresistible tangy-sweet layer toward the end of baking, so set it aside for now.
Step 3: Combine Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, crushed Ritz Crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, eggs, and all the seasonings — salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything thoroughly to evenly distribute flavors and bind the meat mixture for a juicy, flavorful base.
Step 4: Press Meatloaf Into the Dish
Transfer the meatloaf mixture to your prepared baking dish and press it down evenly to form a solid layer. This creates the perfect meaty foundation for your Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe.
Step 5: Add the Macaroni Layer
Sprinkle the uncooked macaroni noodles evenly over the meatloaf layer. Trust the baking process — the noodles will cook perfectly during the bake, soaking up all the flavors around them.
Step 6: Pour the Cheese Sauce Over Pasta
Whisk together the milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth, then pour this creamy mixture over the macaroni noodles, making sure it spreads evenly. This will create a luscious, cheesy layer that binds everything beautifully.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Cover
Sprinkle 2 cups of your shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep moisture in while baking, ensuring tender noodles and a juicy meatloaf.
Step 8: Bake Covered
Bake your casserole at 350°F for 50 minutes. This step lets the meatloaf cook through and the pasta soften without drying out.
Step 9: Add Glaze and Finish Baking
After 50 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Spread the previously made ketchup and barbecue sauce glaze over the top, then sprinkle on the remaining 2 cups of cheese. Bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden perfection.
Step 10: Rest Before Serving
Once baked, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes. This allows it to set up nicely, making it easier to serve and giving the flavors a moment to meld together perfectly.
How to Serve Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top. These add a pop of freshness and color, balancing the rich flavors of the casserole.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to brighten the meal and introduce some lightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins or muffin tins for personal-sized servings. You can also layer the casserole in a trifle dish for a stunning presentation at potlucks or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This casserole maintains its flavors well and is just as comforting warmed up.
Freezing
You can freeze the whole casserole or individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings, adding a splash of milk if needed to maintain creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ground meat for this casserole?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional here, ground turkey or chicken can be used if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
Is it okay to use cooked macaroni instead of uncooked?
You can use cooked macaroni if you like, but be sure to reduce the milk slightly to avoid a watery casserole. Uncooked noodles absorb the sauce during baking, making the dish easier to prepare.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, swap the Ritz Crackers with a gluten-free cracker or breadcrumbs and ensure your onion soup mix and cheese soup are gluten-free. This will keep the dish safe for sensitive eaters without losing flavor.
How spicy is this casserole?
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is mild, focusing on savory, cheesy, and smoky flavors. You can add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the meat mixture if you want a little heat.
What can I use instead of the condensed cheddar cheese soup?
If you can’t find condensed cheddar cheese soup, try making a quick cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese to pour over the noodles.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe enough for anyone seeking a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels both nostalgic and new. Its easy preparation and incredible layers of flavor make it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!
Print
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Mac Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines savory seasoned meatloaf with creamy macaroni and cheese, all baked together for a deliciously cheesy and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Glaze
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
Meatloaf
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 30 Ritz Crackers, crushed
- 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
Macaroni Cheese Layer
- 3 cups macaroni noodles, uncooked
- 2 cups milk
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend, divided
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce until combined; set this aside for later use.
- Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly to evenly incorporate all ingredients. Press this meat mixture firmly into the bottom of the greased baking dish in an even layer.
- Add Macaroni Layer: Evenly sprinkle the uncooked macaroni noodles over the meatloaf layer in the dish.
- Pour Cheese Soup Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the macaroni layer in the casserole.
- Add First Cheese Layer and Bake Covered: Sprinkle 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend over the top, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
- Add Glaze and Top Cheese: Remove the foil after 50 minutes. Spread the prepared ketchup and barbecue sauce glaze evenly over the casserole, then sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese on top.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden and melted.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set and make serving easier.
Notes
- Be sure to crush the Ritz crackers finely so they bind well with the meat and seasonings.
- If you prefer, substitute milk with a lower fat option for a lighter dish.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it hold together better when served.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking cold.
- Feel free to add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the meatloaf mix for extra flavor and nutrition.
