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!