Looking for the ultimate comfort food to satisfy your cravings? Look no further than this mouthwatering Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole recipe. Combining the rich flavors of classic meatloaf with creamy macaroni and cheese, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner at home or bringing a dish to a potluck, this comforting recipe is guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the delicious details!
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
4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
Directions:
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ketchup and Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce. Set aside for later use.
Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the lean ground beef. Place the Ritz Crackers in a large Ziploc bag and crush them using a rolling pin. Add the crumbs to the ground beef. Mix in the Lipton onion soup mix and eggs. Pour in 1/2 cup of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture. Use your hands to thoroughly combine all ingredients.
Form the Meatloaf: Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture on top of the meatloaf.
Bake the Meatloaf: Place the 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 and set aside.
Prepare the Mac and Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in the cooked macaroni noodles until coated in the mixture. Mix in 2 cups of the shredded cheese.
Layer and Bake: After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Pour the macaroni mixture on top of the meatloaf and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and slightly browned.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Each bite is a delightful combination of savory meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese goodness.
Serving Tips:
Presentation: Serve the Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole hot, directly from the baking dish. For a visually appealing presentation, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives.
Side Dishes: Complement the casserole with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.
Portion Control: Slice the casserole into even portions to ensure each serving includes a generous amount of both meatloaf and macaroni and cheese.
Beverage Pairing: Pair this comforting dish with a glass of your favorite red wine, a cold beer, or a refreshing iced tea.
Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings with friends. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works well for both casual and festive occasions.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing:
To Freeze: Let the casserole cool completely. Portion into individual servings and place in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label with the date.
To Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through (approximately 20-30 minutes).
Related Recipes:
- Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting
- Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
- Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
FAQs:
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for a shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese combinations. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese can add unique flavors to the dish. Just ensure that the cheese melts well and complements the overall taste.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole ahead of time for added convenience. Prepare the meatloaf and macaroni and cheese mixture separately, then assemble the casserole as instructed. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting with a cold casserole.
Can I substitute ingredients to make this recipe vegetarian or gluten-free?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives or crumbled tofu. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of the Ritz Crackers, and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free certified. Additionally, opt for gluten-free macaroni noodles and check that the sauces and soup mix are gluten-free.
How can I adjust the seasoning to suit my taste preferences?
The seasoning in this recipe can be adjusted according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture. For extra garlic flavor, increase the amount of garlic powder, or add minced garlic to the meatloaf. Similarly, feel free to adjust the salt and pepper levels to suit your taste buds. Don’t hesitate to customize the seasoning to create a dish that perfectly suits your palate.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this irresistible Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. Perfect for any occasion, this hearty dish will leave everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy the cheesy goodness and savor the flavors of this comforting classic!
📖 Recipe:
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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole recipe. Combining juicy meatloaf and creamy macaroni and cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and cozy gatherings. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
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 the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ketchup and barbecue sauce. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef. Crush Ritz Crackers and add to the bowl. Add the Lipton onion soup mix and eggs. Pour in 1/2 cup of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture.
- Mix all ingredients together until fully combined. Press the mixture evenly into the baking dish. Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Cook the macaroni noodles according to package directions, then drain.
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in cooked macaroni and 2 cups of shredded cheese.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Pour the macaroni mixture on top and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and starting to brown. Let sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Customize the cheese blend to your preference.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers, soup mix, and noodles.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 549 kcal per serving
