About the Recipe
Looking for a comforting and hearty meal that combines two favorites? Try this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup! This dish layers creamy macaroni and cheese with savory meatloaf, creating a delicious casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, this recipe is sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
1 cup ketchup: Adds a tangy sweetness to the meatloaf base, complementing the savory flavors.
1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce: Provides a smoky, sweet flavor that enhances the meatloaf.
2 lbs lean ground beef: The main protein component, offering a rich and meaty texture.
30 Ritz Crackers, crushed: Acts as a binder, adding a buttery flavor to the meatloaf.
2 oz Lipton onion soup mix: Infuses the meatloaf with a deep, savory onion flavor.
2 eggs: Helps bind the meatloaf mixture together, ensuring it holds its shape while cooking.
3 cups macaroni noodles: Forms the base of the mac and cheese layer, providing a tender and chewy texture.
2 cups milk: Used to create a creamy cheese sauce that coats the macaroni.
10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor to the mac and cheese.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish, ensuring it's perfectly seasoned.
1 tsp pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity to the overall flavor.
1 tbsp garlic powder: Brings a subtle, aromatic depth to both the meatloaf and mac and cheese.
1 tbsp onion powder: Complements the Lipton onion soup mix, adding a consistent onion flavor throughout.
4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend: Provides a melty, cheesy topping that's both rich and flavorful.
Preparation
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This will ensure your casserole doesn't stick and is easy to serve.
2. Mix Sauces:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ketchup and Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce. Set aside. This mixture will add a delicious glaze to your meatloaf, providing both sweetness and tang.
3. Prepare Meatloaf:
In a large mixing bowl, add the lean ground beef, crushed Ritz Crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, and eggs. Pour in 1/2 cup of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture. Mix all ingredients together until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring it’s spread out to the edges. Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture on top of the meatloaf to create a flavorful glaze.
4. Bake the Meatloaf:
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This initial baking will allow the meatloaf to set and partially cook through.
5. Cook Macaroni: While the meatloaf is baking, cook the macaroni noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. The macaroni should be cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook when baked with the meatloaf.
Prepare Mac and Cheese:
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the mixture. Stir in the cooked macaroni and 2 cups of shredded cheese until well mixed. This will create a creamy, cheesy mixture that tops the meatloaf.
7. Combine and Bake:
Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Pour the macaroni mixture over the meatloaf and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.