Cheesy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Bake

There are nights when all you want is comfort — something warm, hearty, and loaded with flavor. This Cheesy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is exactly that. A cozy hug on a plate. Juicy, tender meatloaf forms the savory foundation, while creamy, golden macaroni and cheese crowns the top with irresistible cheesy bliss.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a total showstopper — I’m not exaggerating when I say it brings smiles all around the table. Here’s why it’s such a keeper:

🍽️ Combines two beloved classics — meatloaf and mac & cheese — into one incredible bake.
🧀 Crowd-pleasing cheesy crust that bubbles and browns to perfection.
🕒 Perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or potlucks.
💛 Comforting, hearty, and satisfying — everything you crave in a homemade dinner.

The first time I made this, it was for a game day dinner, and I swear, everyone asked for seconds. Even my nephew couldn’t resist picking off the crispy cheese edges — that’s when I knew this recipe was something special!

What It Tastes Like

Imagine layers of flavor — juicy, well-seasoned meatloaf underneath creamy, buttery macaroni with melted cheese on top. The smoky barbecue glaze seeps into the beef, the tangy ketchup balances it out, and every forkful gives you that perfect bite of savory, cheesy comfort.

It’s hearty without being heavy — a truly family-friendly meal that tastes even better the next day.

Benefits of This Recipe

High in protein and incredibly filling.
Freezes beautifully — perfect for meal prep.
Loved by kids and adults alike.
Makes delicious leftovers that reheat like a dream.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

1 cup (240 ml) ketchup
1 cup (240 ml) hickory and brown sugar barbecue sauce

For the Meatloaf Base

2 lbs (900 g) lean ground beef
30 Ritz crackers, finely crushed
2 oz (56 g) onion soup mix
2 large eggs

For the Macaroni Layer

12 oz (340 g) dried macaroni noodles
2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
1 tsp (5 ml) ground black pepper
1 tbsp (15 ml) garlic powder
1 tbsp (15 ml) onion powder
4 cups (450 g) shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend

Tools You’ll Need

9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
Large mixing bowls
Medium mixing bowl
Saucepan or pot for pasta
Whisk
Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Meat: Swap beef for ground turkey or a plant-based crumble.
Crackers: Use buttery crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes.
Cheese: Colby Jack or Pepper Jack add a fun twist.
Barbecue sauce: Choose a smoky or sweet style depending on your flavor mood.

How to Make Cheesy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Glaze

In a bowl, combine ketchup and barbecue sauce. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large bowl, mix ground beef, crushed crackers, onion soup mix, and eggs. Add ½ cup of the glaze mixture and blend gently until combined.
Press evenly into the prepared baking dish and spread the remaining glaze over the top.

Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf

Bake for 30 minutes to set the meat and caramelize the glaze.

Step 5: Cook the Macaroni

While the meatloaf bakes, cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well.

Step 6: Make the Cheese Sauce

Whisk together milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Fold in the cooked macaroni and half of the shredded cheese.

Step 7: Layer and Finish Baking

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spoon the cheesy macaroni mixture evenly on top.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the surface. Bake for 17–20 minutes more, until golden and bubbly.

Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve generous squares with a fresh green salad, roasted broccoli, or buttered corn. For a little crunch, top with crispy fried onions or fresh parsley before serving. A drizzle of extra barbecue sauce takes it over the top!

Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese Meatloaf

Lightly toast the cracker crumbs for a deeper flavor.
Grate your own cheese — it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before cutting for cleaner slices.
For even more indulgence, stir a little cream cheese into the macaroni mixture!

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different cheeses for the topping?

Absolutely! Pepper Jack, Gouda, or Swiss all work beautifully.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes — assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best texture.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, but season generously to keep it flavorful.

How long does it keep?

Up to 4 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.

What sides go best with this?

A crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread are perfect complements.

General Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary.)

Conclusion

This Cheesy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is everything you want in a family dinner — cozy, creamy, and bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table and ask for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below or share your creation on Pinterest. Tag it with #MyHomemadeRecipe so I can see your beautiful bakes!

And if you’re in a peachy mood next time, don’t miss my Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Bars and Grilled Peach Salad with Honey-Balsamic Dressing — sweet, sunny flavors that bring summer to your plate. 🍑