Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

If you’re a fan of classic comfort foods, get ready to experience a mouthwatering combination that brings together two all-time favorites: meatloaf and mac and cheese. This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty, delicious dish that layers flavorful meatloaf with creamy macaroni and cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s the perfect meal for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Double Comfort: Combines the savory goodness of meatloaf with the creamy delight of mac and cheese.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a hassle-free dish.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite cheeses or add veggies for extra nutrition.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Layer:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 2 large eggs
• 1 packet of onion soup mix
• 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup BBQ sauce

For the Mac and Cheese Layer:

• 3 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
• 2 cups milk
• 10.5 oz can of cheddar cheese soup
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

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

2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 packet of onion soup mix
  • 30 Ritz crackers, crushed into fine crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
• In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup ketchup and 1 cup BBQ sauce.
• Add half of the ketchup-BBQ sauce mixture to the meat mixture.
• Using your hands, knead the ingredients until well combined.

3. Bake the Meatloaf Layer

• Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased baking dish.
• Spread the remaining ketchup-BBQ sauce mixture over the top of the meatloaf.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

4. Prepare the Mac and Cheese

• While the meatloaf is baking, cook 3 cups of macaroni noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain the noodles and set aside.
• In a large saucepan, combine:
  • 2 cups milk
  • 10.5 oz can of cheddar cheese soup
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
• Heat over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
• Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted.
• Add the cooked macaroni noodles to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine.

5. Assemble the Casserole

• After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven.
• Carefully layer the mac and cheese over the meatloaf layer in the baking dish.
• Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

6. Bake the Casserole

• Return the baking dish to the oven.
• Bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

7. Rest and Serve

• Remove the casserole from the oven.
• Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut into servings.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Quality Meat: Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the dish.
• Cracker Substitute: If you don’t have Ritz crackers, breadcrumbs or crushed saltines work as well.
• Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Pepper Jack for added flavor.
• Vegetable Boost: Add finely chopped veggies like bell peppers or shredded carrots to the meatloaf mixture for extra nutrients.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad: Pair the casserole with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
• Steamed Veggies: Serve with steamed broccoli or green beans for added color and nutrition.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread complements the dish and helps scoop up any extra sauce.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

A: Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Q: Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

A: Substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the pasta and onion soup mix are gluten-free varieties.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 650 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 160mg
• Sodium: 1500mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Conclusion

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining two classic dishes into one satisfying meal. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or when you need a dish to impress. Give this recipe a try, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

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Enjoy your delicious Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole!

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