Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Looking for a hearty, comforting dish that combines the best of two classic favorites? This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect blend of savory meatloaf and creamy macaroni and cheese. Here’s how to create this delicious casserole step by step.
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a delightful fusion of two classic comfort foods: rich, cheesy mac and cheese, and savory, hearty meatloaf. This unique dish not only brings together the best of both worlds but also elevates them into an irresistible casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and cozy nights in. Combining the creamy, gooey goodness of macaroni and cheese with the robust flavors of meatloaf, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Casseroles have long been a staple in American cuisine, beloved for their convenience, versatility, and ability to feed a crowd. The Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole takes this tradition to new heights, offering a dish that’s both comforting and innovative. For a deeper understanding of the history and varieties of casseroles, you can explore the extensive casserole overview on Wikipedia.
If your family are fans of meatloaf and of macaroni and cheese, then they are going to absolutely fall in love with this fabulously tasty casserole recipe. Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines these two loves in the most delicious way!
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
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
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Sauce: Mix together ketchup and barbecue sauce in a medium bowl and set aside.
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, and eggs. Add 1/2 cup of the ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
Form the Meatloaf: Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the remaining ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake the Meatloaf: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Cook the Macaroni: While the meatloaf is baking, cook the macaroni noodles according to package directions. Drain well.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, whisking to combine. Stir in the cooked macaroni and 2 cups of the shredded cheese until fully mixed.
Combine Meatloaf and Macaroni: After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven. Spread the macaroni mixture evenly over the meatloaf. Top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese.
Bake Again: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and starting to brown.
Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 549 kcal per serving
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips:
Garnish: Add freshly chopped parsley or chives for color and flavor.
Side Dishes: Serve with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread to balance the richness.
Condiments: Offer extra barbecue sauce or ketchup for those who like more sauce.
Portion Control: Cut into even squares to ensure each serving has a balance of meatloaf and mac and cheese.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration:
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes for a crisper top.
Freezing:
Before Baking: Assemble the casserole, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
After Baking: Cool completely, cut into portions, wrap each in plastic wrap and foil, and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat at 350°F until heated through.
Portion Control: Freeze individual servings for easier reheating and to maintain texture and flavor.
Variations
1. Turkey Meatloaf Casserole:
Swap: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version. Adjust seasonings to taste.
2. Spicy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf:
Add: Chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture. Use pepper jack cheese for added heat.
3. Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf:
Enhance: Wrap the meatloaf in bacon strips before baking for a smoky flavor. Bake until bacon is crispy.
4. Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese Meatloaf:
Adapt: Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs. Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
5. Veggie-Packed Meatloaf:
Boost: Add finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to the meatloaf mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
6. BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Meatloaf:
Switch: Substitute ground chicken and use smoky barbecue sauce.
7. Italian-Style Meatloaf:
Flavor: Add Italian seasonings like oregano, basil, and parmesan to the meatloaf. Use marinara instead of ketchup-barbecue sauce.
8. Cheesy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf:
Mix: Incorporate gouda, mozzarella, and provolone into the macaroni mixture for a richer, cheesier dish.
9. Mushroom and Onion Meatloaf:
Enhance: Add sautéed mushrooms and onions to the meatloaf mixture. Pair with Swiss cheese in the macaroni.
10. Low-Carb Mac and Cheese Meatloaf:
Modify: Replace macaroni noodles with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a lower carb option while keeping the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Experiment with these variations to customize your Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, ensuring there’s a version to suit every palate and occasion!