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Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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3.9 from 40 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the savory flavors of classic meatloaf with creamy macaroni and cheese. Baked to perfection, this casserole features a flavorful ground beef base topped with cheesy macaroni, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Meatloaf Base

  • 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

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 tbsp garlic powder (not salt)
  • 1/2 tbsp onion powder (not salt)
  • 2 cups (240g) mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C / gas mark 4). Butter a 9-inch square baking dish and set aside. Place a saucepan of lightly salted water on the stove to boil for the macaroni.
  2. Crush Crackers: Place the Ritz crackers in a zip lock bag and crush them finely using a rolling pin.
  3. Mix Sauces: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the tomato ketchup and BBQ sauce. Remove half of this sauce mixture and set aside for topping later.
  4. Make Meatloaf Base: To the remaining sauce in the bowl, add the lean ground beef, crushed crackers, dry onion soup mix, and egg. Gently mix all ingredients with a fork until just combined. Transfer this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, patting it flat. Spread the reserved ketchup/BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the meatloaf base.
  5. Bake Meatloaf Base: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. Cook Macaroni: While the meatloaf bakes, cook the macaroni noodles in the boiling salted water according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain well, rinse with cold water, and drain again.
  7. Prepare Macaroni and Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cheddar cheese soup and whole milk until smooth. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, mixing well. Fold in the cooked macaroni and half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend until combined.
  8. Add Macaroni Mixture: After 30 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf base from the oven. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the meatloaf. Sprinkle the remaining cheese blend on top.
  9. Bake Casserole: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
  10. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit and settle for about 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and to make serving easier. Enjoy your comforting Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole!

Notes

  • If condensed cheddar cheese soup is unavailable, substitute with an equivalent amount of a creamy cheese sauce made from cheddar cheese and cream.
  • Using whole milk helps achieve a creamy texture in the macaroni and cheese topping.
  • Feel free to use gluten-free crackers and pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Letting the casserole rest before serving ensures cleaner slices and better presentation.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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