Mac and Cheese Meatloaf

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect combination of hearty and cheesy flavors. This dish layers a beef-packed meatloaf base with a creamy macaroni and cheese mixture, topped with a golden melted cheese crust. It’s easy to make in steps—mix the ground beef with crackers and onion soup mix, bake it with a barbecue glaze, and finish by adding a rich macaroni layer. Garnish with customizable cheese blends to suit your tastes. Serve warm and enjoy this ultimate comfort food that’s sure to please family and friends.

This mac and cheese meatloaf casserole combines two comfort food classics into one incredible dish that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. The savory meatloaf base topped with creamy, cheesy macaroni creates a complete meal my family requests at least twice a month.

I first created this recipe when my children had friends over for dinner with vastly different food preferences. This casserole has since become our go to solution for pleasing everyone at the table while providing a hearty complete meal.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: provides the substantial base and keeps the dish from becoming too greasy
• Ritz Crackers: add a buttery flavor and perfect texture that breadcrumbs just cannot match
• Lipton onion soup mix: brings complex seasoning without needing dozens of individual spices
• Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce: creates that perfect tangy sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully
• Condensed cheddar cheese soup: ensures your mac and cheese turns out creamy every time
• Shredded cheese blend: allows the perfect melty texture while offering depth of flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Sauce Base:

Combine ketchup and barbecue sauce in a bowl until fully integrated. This sauce mixture does double duty first as part of the meat mixture and later creating that irresistible glaze on top of the meatloaf. The sweetness from the Brown Sugar BBQ sauce caramelizes beautifully during baking.

Create the Meatloaf Mixture:

Combine ground beef with crushed Ritz crackers until evenly distributed. Add onion soup mix which infuses the meat with savory flavor throughout. Mix in eggs and half cup of the sauce mixture using your hands until just combined but not overworked. The crackers maintain moisture while the eggs bind everything together perfectly.

Form and Bake Initial Layer:

Press the meat mixture firmly into your baking dish creating an even layer. Apply remaining sauce mixture across the top in a smooth layer. Initial baking for 30 minutes allows the meat to cook partially before adding the macaroni topping.

Prepare the Macaroni Mixture:

Cook macaroni just until al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven. Whisk milk and cheese soup together creating a smooth base. Add seasonings and gently fold in the cooked macaroni and half the cheese. This creates a velvety sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.

Assemble and Bake Final Dish:

Pour the macaroni mixture over the partially baked meatloaf creating a distinct second layer. Top with remaining cheese and return to oven. Watch for the cheese to become golden brown and bubbly around the edges which indicates it has reached perfection.

My kids always fight over the corner pieces where the cheese gets extra crispy and the sauce caramelizes. I started making this in two smaller pans instead of one large one just so everyone could have their favorite part.

Make Ahead Instructions

This casserole works beautifully as a prepare ahead meal. You can complete all steps up through adding the macaroni layer but before the final baking. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes then bake for 25 to 30 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbling.

Creative Variations

Try Italian style by using Italian seasoned ground beef or turkey adding a layer of marinara instead of BBQ sauce and using provolone and mozzarella cheeses. For a southwestern twist incorporate taco seasoning into the meat mixture substitute salsa for some of the sauce and use pepper jack cheese in your blend. These variations keep the same cooking method but transform the flavor profile completely.

Serving Suggestions

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