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This mac and cheese meatloaf casserole combines two beloved comfort foods into one incredible dish the whole family will devour. The savory meatloaf base topped with creamy mac and cheese creates the ultimate dinner solution when you're craving something hearty and satisfying.
I created this recipe during a particularly cold winter when my family needed serious comfort food. My teenagers now request this as their birthday dinner each year, which speaks volumes about how delicious it truly is.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Use 85% lean for the right balance of flavor and juiciness without excess grease
- Ritz crackers: These add a buttery flavor and light texture that breadcrumbs simply cannot match
- Lipton onion soup mix: This powerhouse ingredient adds depth and savory notes without chopping onions
- Eggs: They bind everything together ensuring your meatloaf stays cohesive
- Ketchup and barbecue sauce: The sweet and tangy blend creates the perfect glaze that caramelizes beautifully
- Macaroni noodles: Choose medium shells or elbows as they hold the cheese sauce perfectly in their crevices
- Condensed cheddar cheese soup: This creates an incredibly smooth sauce without having to make a roux
- Shredded cheese blend: Using both mozzarella and cheddar gives the perfect balance of stretch and flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the sauce:
- Combine ketchup and Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue sauce in a bowl until completely smooth. The combination creates a complex flavor profile with sweet, smoky and tangy notes that elevates the entire dish. Reserve about half for topping.
- Mix the meatloaf:
- Crush the Ritz crackers until they resemble coarse crumbs but not powder. Add them to the ground beef along with the Lipton soup mix, eggs and half cup of your prepared sauce. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Overmixing will create a dense meatloaf so stop when ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form and bake base layer:
- Press the meat mixture into your greased baking dish, creating an even layer across the bottom. Use the back of a spoon to spread remaining sauce mixture over the top, making sure to reach all edges. This glaze will caramelize during baking, creating incredible flavor.
- Begin mac and cheese prep:
- While meatloaf bakes for its initial 30 minutes, cook your macaroni according to package directions until just al dente. Slightly undercook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain thoroughly to prevent excess water from diluting your cheese sauce.
- Create cheese sauce:
- Whisk milk and condensed cheddar soup until completely smooth before adding seasonings. The garlic and onion powders amplify the savory notes while salt and pepper balance the richness. Fold in your drained pasta and half the cheese blend until every noodle is coated.
- Assemble and finish baking:
- Pour the mac and cheese mixture over the partially baked meatloaf, spreading into an even layer. Top generously with remaining cheese. The final bake melds the layers together while creating a beautifully browned cheese topping.
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The Lipton onion soup mix is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its magic when I was short on time one evening and needed to skip chopping fresh onions. The depth of flavor it adds is unmatched, making the meatloaf taste like it simmered all day even though it comes together quickly.
Customization Ideas
This recipe welcomes adaptation based on what you have available. Try ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version though you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to maintain moisture. The cheese blend can be anything you enjoy or have on hand from sharp cheddar to monterey jack or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed broccoli or green beans also make excellent accompaniments. For a complete comfort food experience consider adding a basket of garlic bread to soak up any cheese sauce.
Storage and Reheating
This dish shines at potlucks or family gatherings because it satisfies both children and adults alike. The familiar flavors appeal to kids while the clever combination impresses grown ups looking for something beyond basic casseroles.
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This mac and cheese meatloaf casserole will become an instant family favorite. Enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare both layers separately up to a day ahead. Assemble and refrigerate, adding 10-15 minutes to the final baking time. For best results, bring to room temperature before baking.
- → What can I substitute for Ritz crackers in the meatloaf?
Breadcrumbs, crushed saltines, panko, or even quick oats work well as Ritz cracker substitutes. Each will slightly alter the texture and flavor, but all will help bind the meatloaf.
- → How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. If you don't have a thermometer, the meat should be no longer pink in the center.
- → Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes well. Portion leftovers into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until hot throughout.
- → What sides pair well with Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole?
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides like a green salad, steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or garlic green beans to balance the richness of the casserole.
- → Can I use different cheese varieties?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for a mozzarella and cheddar blend, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, Gruyère, or pepper jack for added spice.