Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines the comforting flavors of classic meatloaf with creamy macaroni and cheese. It’s an easy, hearty meal perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (125g) tomato ketchup
• 1/2 cup (125g) BBQ sauce
• 1 pound (453g) lean ground beef
• 15 Ritz style crackers
• 1 ounce dry onion soup mix (1/2 packet)
• 1 large free range egg
• 1 1/2 cups (175g) dry macaroni noodles
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1/2 can condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder (not salt)
• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder (not salt)
• 2 cups (240g) mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend, divided

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C, gas mark 4). Butter a 9-inch square baking dish and set aside. Bring a saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil.
2. Step 2: Place the crackers into a ziplock bag and crush them finely using a rolling pin.
3. Step 3: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the tomato ketchup and BBQ sauce. Remove half of this mixture and set aside.
4. Step 4: Add the ground beef to the remaining ketchup and BBQ sauce mixture. Stir in the crushed crackers, onion soup mix, and egg. Mix gently with a fork until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread the reserved ketchup/BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the top.
5. Step 5: Bake the meatloaf base for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
6. Step 6: While the meatloaf bakes, cook the macaroni noodles in the boiling salted water according to package instructions. Drain well, rinse with cold water, and drain again.
7. Step 7: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cheddar cheese soup and milk. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well. Fold in the cooked macaroni and half of the cheese blend.
8. Step 8: After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the meatloaf. Sprinkle the remaining cheese blend on top.
9. Step 9: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
10. Step 10: Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, try mixing some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the meat mixture.
• Use crushed saltine crackers or breadcrumbs as a substitute for Ritz crackers.
• Swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• If cheddar cheese soup is unavailable, substitute with 1 cup of shredded cheddar combined with 1/2 cup of cream or milk and a teaspoon of mustard.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warm. For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute macaroni with other small pasta shapes like shells or elbow pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the meatloaf base and macaroni cheese mixture separately and assemble just before baking. Alternatively, fully assemble and refrigerate overnight, baking it the next day for best results.

Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 148 reviews

This Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines a flavorful meatloaf base topped with creamy macaroni and cheese. Baked to perfection, it blends the zestiness of ketchup and BBQ sauce with the savory richness of cheese for a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf Base

• 1 pound (453g) lean ground beef
• 15 Ritz style crackers
• 1 ounce dry onion soup mix (1/2 packet)
• 1 large free range egg
• 1/2 cup (125g) tomato ketchup
• 1/2 cup (125g) BBQ sauce

Macaroni and Cheese Topping

• 1 1/2 cups (175g) dry macaroni noodles
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1/2 can condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder (not salt)
• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder (not salt)
• 2 cups (240g) mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend, divided

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C/gas mark 4). Butter a 9-inch square baking dish and set it aside. Put a large saucepan of lightly salted water on to boil for cooking the macaroni noodles later.
2. Crush Crackers: Place the Ritz crackers into a zip lock bag and crush them finely using a rolling pin. This will act as a binder in the meat mixture.
3. Mix Sauces: Whisk together the tomato ketchup and BBQ sauce in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Set aside half of this mixture for topping the meatloaf later.
4. Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: Add the lean ground beef, crushed crackers, dry onion soup mix, and egg to the remaining ketchup and BBQ sauce mixture in the bowl. Mix everything gently with a fork until evenly combined. Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish and pat it out evenly. Spread the reserved ketchup/BBQ sauce mixture over the top evenly.
5. Bake Meatloaf Base: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes to cook the meatloaf base.
6. Cook Macaroni: While the meatloaf bakes, cook the macaroni noodles in the boiling salted water according to package directions. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water, then drain again.
7. Prepare Macaroni and Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cheddar cheese soup and whole milk until well combined. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Fold in the cooked macaroni noodles and half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese mixture.
8. Assemble Casserole: After the initial baking time, remove the meatloaf base from the oven. Pour the prepared macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the meatloaf layer. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top to create a cheesy crust.
9. Bake Casserole: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese topping has melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
10. Rest and Serve: Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers to settle and makes serving easier. Enjoy your delicious Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole!

Notes

• For the cheddar cheese soup, you can use canned condensed soup such as Campbell’s or homemade equivalent if preferred.
• Using Ritz crackers adds a subtle buttery flavor and helps bind the meatloaf without adding too much moisture.
• Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding herbs like parsley or paprika for extra flavor.
• The macaroni noodles can be swapped with any small pasta shape you prefer.
• If you want a thicker cheese sauce, slightly reduce the milk quantity.

Keywords: macaroni and cheese, meatloaf casserole, baked casserole, comfort food, cheesy meatloaf