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
Scale
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.
