If comfort food had a greatest hits album, this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole would be the title track. 💛 Imagine creamy, cheesy macaroni baked over a layer of juicy, flavorful meatloaf, topped with golden melted cheese and a hint of smokiness. It’s classic comfort reimagined — rich, hearty, and full of love.
This recipe takes two nostalgic favorites — meatloaf and mac and cheese — and brings them together in one bubbling, family-style casserole. Every bite delivers contrast and comfort: tender beef, creamy pasta, a caramelized glaze, and that irresistible cheesy top.
Whether it’s Sunday dinner or a special weeknight meal, this dish guarantees empty plates and full hearts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🧀 Combines two comfort classics in one dish.
- 🍖 Juicy, flavorful meatloaf base pairs perfectly with creamy mac and cheese.
- 🌟 Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing — everyone wants seconds.
- ⏱️ Great make-ahead option for busy evenings or gatherings.
- 💛 Feels like a celebration of home cooking, every single time.
“Cooking is one of the great gifts you can give to those you love.” — Ina Garten
And this casserole? It’s exactly that kind of gift.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this cozy casserole masterpiece:
For the Meatloaf Layer
- 1 cup ketchup — adds tang and sweetness.
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar BBQ sauce — smoky, rich, and irresistible.
- 2 lbs lean ground beef — the hearty base of your casserole.
- 30 Ritz Crackers, crushed — buttery binder with great texture.
- 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix — savory flavor shortcut that never fails.
- 2 eggs — to hold it all together.
For the Mac and Cheese Layer
- 3 cups macaroni noodles — cooked al dente for perfect texture.
- 2 cups milk — creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup — rich, thick, and cheesy.
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend — half for mixing, half for topping.
Optional but worth it: a dash of smoked paprika or chili flakes for an extra layer of warmth and depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
2️⃣ Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix ketchup and barbecue sauce. This will serve as both a glaze for the meatloaf and part of the base flavor.
3️⃣ Prepare the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz Crackers, onion soup mix, and eggs.
Add ½ cup of your ketchup–BBQ sauce mixture. Mix gently until just combined — don’t overwork it!
Press evenly into your baking dish and spread the remaining glaze on top.
Bake for 30 minutes to let the meatloaf set.
4️⃣ Cook the Macaroni
While the meatloaf bakes, cook macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cheddar cheese soup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni and 2 cups of shredded cheese. Stir to coat every noodle.
6️⃣ Combine and Bake
Remove the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven.
Spread the creamy mac and cheese mixture evenly over the meatloaf.
Top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese.
Return to the oven and bake for another 17–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with:
- 🥗 A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- 🥦 Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables
- 🥖 Garlic bread or warm rolls to soak up every bit of cheesy sauce
Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for color and freshness.
Helpful Notes & Variations
- Make it gluten-free: Use GF crackers, soup mix, and noodles.
- Switch up the cheese: Try Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Colby for variety.
- Add vegetables: Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms blend in beautifully.
- Make ahead: Assemble the full casserole a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate; bake before serving.
- Add crunch: Top with buttered panko or crushed crackers before baking.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm covered in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works great — just add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to keep it moist.
Can I make it spicier?
Add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the meatloaf mix or cheese sauce.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Use a deeper 9×13 or two smaller pans and extend the baking time slightly.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
Calories: 530 | Protein: 33g | Fat: 30g | Carbs: 32g | Sodium: 870mg
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