Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
If you’re a fan of hearty comfort food, Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines two classic favorites in one dish. Imagine the rich, savory flavors of meatloaf layered with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. This casserole is a perfect combination of flavors that will leave everyone at the table asking for more.
It’s a one-pan dish that’s hearty, filling, and just the right balance of savory meat, tender pasta, and gooey cheese. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a potluck, this casserole will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
2 lbs lean ground beef (you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version)
30 Ritz crackers, crushed (these act as a binder and add great flavor)
2 oz Lipton onion soup mix (adds a savory depth of flavor)
2 eggs (to help bind everything together)
1 cup ketchup (for the meatloaf glaze and flavor)
1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce (adds a sweet, smoky touch to the meatloaf)
For the Mac and Cheese:
3 cups macaroni noodles (elbow macaroni works best)
2 cups milk (whole milk will give you the creamiest results)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for maximum flavor)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for added creaminess)
2 tablespoons butter (to help create the sauce)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening the sauce)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, but adds a great flavor to the cheese sauce)
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (optional, but gives the cheese sauce a tangy kick)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf
The first step is to prepare the meatloaf mixture. This will serve as the savory base for your casserole.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Make the meatloaf mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, onion soup mix, and eggs. Mix everything together until fully combined. The crackers help bind the meat together while also adding a nice flavor and texture.
Shape the meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the center of your baking dish. This will act as the “meat” layer for the casserole.
Add the glaze: In a separate small bowl, mix together the ketchup and barbecue sauce. Pour this glaze over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly with a spoon or spatula. The sweet and smoky glaze will infuse the meatloaf with amazing flavor as it cooks.
Bake the meatloaf: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). After baking, let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute before serving.
Step 2: Prepare the Mac and Cheese
While the meatloaf is baking, you can work on preparing the creamy mac and cheese portion of the casserole. The cheesy pasta will layer beautifully on top of the meatloaf once it’s ready.
Cook the macaroni noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to make a roux. Continue cooking for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Add the milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Add the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, one handful at a time, until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Combine with the pasta: Once the cheese sauce is ready, add the cooked macaroni noodles to the saucepan and stir to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Now it’s time to bring everything together for the final bake.
Layer the casserole: After the meatloaf is done and rested, carefully spread the cheesy macaroni over the meatloaf in the baking dish. Make sure the pasta covers the meatloaf evenly, creating a cheesy layer that will meld with the savory meat.
Bake the casserole: Place the entire casserole back into the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. You may want to broil the casserole for an extra 1-2 minutes at the end to get a crisp, golden top.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. This gives the casserole time to set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.
Serve your Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. The combination of hearty meatloaf, cheesy pasta, and flavorful glaze makes for a filling and satisfying dinner.
Tips for Success
Ground beef substitute: If you prefer, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter version of this casserole.
Customize the cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses in the mac and cheese layer. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of pepper jack cheese would add a delicious twist.
Add veggies: If you want to boost the nutritional content, you can mix in some cooked vegetables into the mac and cheese, like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms.
Make ahead: This casserole is great for meal prep. You can assemble the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes of bake time if baking from cold.
Spicy variation: For a bit of heat, try adding a few dashes of hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture or the mac and cheese sauce. Jalapeños or spicy sausage can also be mixed in for a flavorful kick.
Conclusion
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a true comfort food indulgence. It combines the flavors of two well-loved dishes—savory, meaty meatloaf and creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese—into one easy-to-make casserole. The result is a hearty, filling meal that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any time you’re craving a warm, satisfying meal.
With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or simply want something to feed a crowd, this dish is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness and the savory meatloaf all in one bite!