Dive into the ultimate comfort food with this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, where traditional meatloaf and creamy macaroni and cheese unite in one delicious dish. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this casserole combines the tangy sweetness of barbecue sauce with the richness of a cheesy macaroni topping, making every bite satisfyingly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Combines two beloved dishes for a doubly comforting meal.
- Family-Friendly: Sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with your choice of cheeses or a gluten-free option.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 30 Ritz Crackers
- 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 eggs
- 3 cups macaroni noodles
- 2 cups milk
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Create Sauce and Meatloaf Mixture:
- Mix ketchup and barbecue sauce in a medium bowl. Set half aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz Crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, and half of the sauce mixture. Press into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining sauce.
Bake the Meatloaf:
- Bake for 30 minutes.
Prepare Mac and Cheese:
- While the meatloaf bakes, cook macaroni according to package directions and drain.
- Whisk together milk, condensed cheese soup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Stir in cooked macaroni and 2 cups of shredded cheese.
Assemble and Finish Baking:
- Remove meatloaf from oven. Spread macaroni mixture evenly on top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake for another 17-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden. Let rest before serving.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
Nutrition:
Each serving is packed with protein and provides a good source of calcium from the cheese, making it a nourishing option for a family meal.
Enjoy the savory layers of meatloaf and the creamy richness of macaroni and cheese in this delightful casserole that’s sure to become a new favorite!