Cozy Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe For Family Dinners

Comfort food takes a delightful turn with this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole that blends two classic favorites into one mouthwatering dish.

Layers of seasoned ground beef create a hearty foundation for creamy, cheesy mac and cheese.

The combination brings together the best of both worlds, offering a rich and satisfying meal that hits all the right notes.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of savory meat and creamy pasta.

Sharp cheddar melts into every crevice, creating a golden, irresistible top layer.

Warm, filling, and packed with flavor, this casserole delivers comfort on a plate.

Prepare to experience a new dinner sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

All the Ingredients for Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the meatloaf that provides rich protein content.

• Eggs: Help bind the meat mixture together and add richness.
• Ritz Crackers: Provide texture and help keep the meatloaf moist.
• Lipton Onion Soup Mix: Adds depth of flavor and seasoning to the meat mixture.

• Ketchup, Barbecue Sauce: Create a tangy and sweet coating for the meatloaf that adds moisture and flavor.

• Macaroni Noodles: The classic pasta that forms the creamy base of the casserole.
• Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup, Shredded Cheese: Provide a rich, creamy cheese flavor and texture to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy sauce for the macaroni mixture.

Casserole Tools for Easy, Cheesy Dinners

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ground beef, crackers, and other meat mixture ingredients.
• Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for preparing the ketchup and barbecue sauce blend.
• 9×13 inch baking dish: Crucial for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
• Whisk: Great for blending milk and condensed cheese soup smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Needed for precise ingredient measurements.
• Colander: Useful for draining cooked macaroni noodles.
• Cheese grater: Helpful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for mixing ingredients and spreading layers.

Baking Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Sauce

In a medium bowl, swirl together ketchup and barbecue sauce until they’re best friends.

Set this saucy mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Build the Meaty Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in ground beef.

Crush Ritz Crackers into crumbly bits and sprinkle them over the meat.

Shake in Lipton onion soup mix and crack in eggs.

Pour half the sauce mixture into the bowl.

Get your hands dirty and mix everything until it’s perfectly blended.

Press the meat mixture into the baking dish like you’re creating a delicious landscape.

Drizzle the remaining sauce on top for extra flavor.

Step 4: First Baking Round

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

While that’s cooking, boil macaroni noodles according to the package instructions, then drain them in a colander.

Step 5: Create Cheesy Magic

In a large bowl, whisk milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until silky smooth.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Fold in the cooked macaroni and two cups of shredded cheese.

Step 6: Final Cheesy Transformation

Pull the meatloaf from the oven.

Pour the macaroni mixture over the top and spread it evenly.

Shower the top with remaining cheese.

Bake for 17-20 more minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving up this comfort food masterpiece.

Pro Tips for Creamy Mac & Hearty Meatloaf Combo

• Swap Ritz Crackers for panko breadcrumbs to add extra crunch and enhance the meat's taste profile.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and prevent runny texture.
• Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat version of the dish.
• Add a dash of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a subtle kick of heat.
• Prepare the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenience.

Flavorful Twists for Meatloaf Mac Casserole

• Vegetarian Lentil Loaf Version: Replace ground beef with cooked lentils and crushed walnuts for a plant-based protein alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of eggs to bind ingredients.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap Ritz Crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers. Use gluten-free onion soup mix and verify all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute macaroni with riced cauliflower or cauliflower mac and cheese. Reduce total carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture and flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for a Cozy Casserole Night

• Comfort Plate Partner: Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty casserole.
• Veggie Side Kick: Roast broccoli or green beans with garlic and olive oil for a nutritious and colorful companion to the cheesy meatloaf.
• Bread Buddy: Warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls make perfect sides to soak up the delicious sauce and complement the main dish.
• Cooling Contrast: Dollop cool sour cream or fresh salsa on top to add a zesty, refreshing element that cuts through the casserole's richness.

Best Ways to Store Meatloaf Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe container. Mac and cheese meatloaf casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner alternative. Just make sure to choose ground turkey with a slightly higher fat content to keep the meatloaf moist.

• Do I have to use Ritz Crackers for the meatloaf base?

No, you can substitute with breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers. Ritz Crackers add a buttery flavor, but other cracker types will work similarly.

• Is the Lipton onion soup mix necessary?

While it adds depth of flavor, you can replace it with 2-3 tablespoons of minced fresh onions or onion powder if you don’t have the mix on hand.

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: Why It’s a Family Hit

• Merge two classic favorites into one mouthwatering dish that transforms ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.
• Swap crackers, adjust seasoning, or add extra cheese to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated modifications.
• Perfect for busy households seeking a hearty meal that satisfies multiple taste preferences and provides substantial nutrition in one pan.
• Creates a stunning layered casserole that looks impressive and delivers rich, bold flavors guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.

Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy mac and cheese meatloaf casserole delivers comfort on a plate for hungry families. Hearty layers combine classic American dinner favorites with cheesy goodness that satisfies all palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 eggs

Sauce and Flavoring:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup Sweet Baby Rays Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
• 2 ounces Lipton onion soup mix
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder

Base and Cheese:

• 3 cups macaroni noodles
• 2 cups milk
• 10.5 ounces condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 30 Ritz Crackers, crushed
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Create a tangy sauce by blending ketchup and barbecue sauce in a medium bowl. Reserve for later use.
3. Craft the meatloaf base by combining ground beef, crushed Ritz Crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate half the prepared sauce and thoroughly mix. Evenly distribute the meat mixture into the greased baking dish, then generously brush the remaining sauce across the top.
4. Roast the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and meat to cook through.
5. During baking, prepare macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Whisk milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Fold in cooked macaroni and two cups of shredded cheese until well integrated.
7. Extract the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven. Carefully spread the cheesy macaroni mixture over the meat, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
8. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 17-20 minutes until the cheese melts and develops a golden-brown crust. Allow the dish to rest briefly before serving.

Notes

• Cracker Substitution: Swap Ritz Crackers with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Lean Protein Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to reduce fat content and create a lighter meal.
• Cheese Flexibility: Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the meatloaf and mac and cheese components separately the day before, then assemble and bake when ready to serve for a time-saving meal prep strategy.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 530
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg