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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines the comforting flavors of traditional meatloaf with creamy mac and cheese for a hearty, all-in-one meal. Ground beef is mixed with crushed crackers, onion soup mix, and a tangy ketchup-barbecue sauce blend, then baked and topped with a rich macaroni and cheese mixture and melty shredded cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole offers a satisfying twist on classic comfort food.

Ingredients

Meatloaf Mixture

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
  • 2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 30 Ritz Crackers (crushed)
  • 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
  • 2 eggs

Mac and Cheese Topping

  • 3 cups macaroni noodles
  • 2 cups milk
  • 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend (divided)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Mix Sauces: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ketchup with 1 cup of Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce. Stir well until fully blended and set aside.
  3. Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: Place the 2 pounds of lean ground beef into a large mixing bowl. Using a rolling pin, crush 30 Ritz Crackers inside a large Ziploc bag until finely crumbled, then add these crumbs to the ground beef.
  4. Add Seasonings and Bindings: Add 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix and 2 eggs to the ground beef mixture. Pour in half a cup of the ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture reserved earlier.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Use your hands to thoroughly mix all the meatloaf ingredients until fully combined and evenly distributed.
  6. Shape Meatloaf: Transfer the meatloaf mixture into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish, pressing it out evenly to form a flat layer.
  7. Top Meatloaf: Spread the remaining ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer.
  8. Bake Meatloaf: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes to partially cook the meatloaf.
  9. Cook Macaroni: While the meatloaf bakes, cook 3 cups of macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Drain well.
  10. Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk and 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth and lump-free.
  11. Season Cheese Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon onion powder to the cheese sauce, whisking again to combine.
  12. Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Add the drained macaroni noodles to the cheese sauce mixture and stir until all noodles are well coated.
  13. Add Cheese to Macaroni: Stir in 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend into the macaroni mixture to enrich the flavor and texture.
  14. Remove Meatloaf from Oven: After the initial 30 minutes of baking, carefully take the meatloaf out of the oven.
  15. Top Meatloaf with Macaroni Mixture: Pour the mac and cheese mixture evenly over the partially baked meatloaf layer.
  16. Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend evenly on top of the macaroni layer.
  17. Bake Final Casserole: Return the casserole dish to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted and just beginning to brown.
  18. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set.
  19. Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy this comforting mac and cheese meatloaf casserole.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Ensure macaroni is cooked al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • Feel free to use your favorite barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile.
  • If you prefer extra cheesy topping, add more shredded cheese as desired.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/mac-and-cheese-meatloaf-casserole-recipe/