Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

If there’s one thing that never fails to hit the spot, it’s a hearty, cheesy, and downright delicious casserole. And when you combine two comfort food favorites—juicy meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese—you get something truly irresistible. This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the best of both worlds, featuring a flavorful, tender meatloaf base topped with rich, gooey macaroni and cheese. It’s finished with a sweet and tangy barbecue glaze that takes the dish to the next level.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s simple to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, it’s a great way to elevate classic meatloaf into something even more exciting.

Let’s dive into the first steps of making this comforting casserole!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish:

For the Meatloaf Layer:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
• 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
• 2 eggs

For the Mac and Cheese Layer:

• 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

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Sauce

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure everything bakes evenly and comes out perfectly cooked.

In a medium bowl, mix together the ketchup and barbecue sauce until well combined. This sauce adds a rich, slightly sweet, and smoky flavor to the meatloaf, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Set this mixture aside for now—we’ll be using it in just a bit.

Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture

Now, it’s time to prepare the meatloaf base. In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Ground beef – The foundation of our meatloaf, giving it a hearty and juicy texture.
• Crushed Ritz crackers – These add a slightly buttery taste and help bind everything together.
• Lipton onion soup mix – This is the secret ingredient that gives the meatloaf an incredible depth of flavor.
• Eggs – Essential for keeping the meatloaf firm and moist.
• 1/2 cup of the ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture – This gets mixed into the meat, infusing it with even more flavor.

Use your hands to mix everything together until fully combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatloaf tough.

Once mixed, press the meatloaf mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure it’s spread out smoothly.

Step 3: Add the Barbecue Glaze and Bake

Take the remaining ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture and spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This will create a delicious glaze that caramelizes as it bakes.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. While the meatloaf is baking, it’s the perfect time to prepare the mac and cheese layer.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni and Prepare the Cheese Sauce

While the meatloaf is baking, let’s move on to the mac and cheese portion of this incredible casserole.

Start by cooking the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook them until they’re just al dente—this means they should still have a slight bite to them since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Now, it’s time to make the rich and creamy cheese sauce. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 2 cups of milk – Helps create a smooth, velvety texture.
• 10.5 oz of condensed cheddar cheese soup – Adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

Whisk these two ingredients until they are fully combined and smooth. Then, add in the seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder

Give everything another good mix, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed.

Now, stir in the cooked macaroni noodles, making sure they’re well coated with the cheesy mixture. Finally, add 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend and mix until combined. The heat from the pasta will help start the melting process, making the mixture extra creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

By now, the meatloaf should have baked for 30 minutes, and your kitchen is probably smelling amazing. Remove the baking dish from the oven and get ready to layer on the mac and cheese.

Carefully spread the cheesy macaroni mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Make sure it’s distributed in an even layer so every bite has a perfect balance of meatloaf and mac and cheese.

Now, it’s time for the best part—the final layer of cheese! Take the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend and generously sprinkle it over the top of the casserole. This will create a golden, bubbly, and irresistibly gooey topping once baked.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Place the assembled casserole back in the oven and bake for another 17 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top is fully melted and has a beautiful golden brown color. If you love an extra crispy cheese topping, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2 to 3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps everything set up, making it easier to cut into neat portions.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re making this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole for the first time, you might have a few questions. Here are some common ones to help you get the best results.

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can use shells, rotini, or penne. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become mushy.

2. Can I substitute the Ritz crackers in the meatloaf?
Absolutely. If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use crushed saltine crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even finely crushed cornflakes for a slightly different texture.

3. What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a little Parmesan can add great depth to the mac and cheese layer.

4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.

6. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

7. What can I serve with this dish?
Since this casserole is rich and hearty, a simple side dish like steamed green beans, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables makes a great complement.

Conclusion

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the best of two classic dishes in one amazing meal. The juicy, flavorful meatloaf paired with the creamy, cheesy macaroni makes every bite absolutely irresistible.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a recipe that anyone can master.

Give it a try, and let us know how it turns out! If you make any delicious variations, share them in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this comfort food favorite.

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

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This comforting casserole combines the best of both worlds—savory, juicy meatloaf and creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. With a sweet and tangy barbecue glaze and a rich, gooey topping, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

• Author: Mark's Recipe

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
• 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).

In a medium bowl, mix the ketchup and barbecue sauce, then set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, eggs, and 1/2 cup of the ketchup-barbecue mixture. Mix well with your hands until fully combined.

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 for 30 minutes.

While the meatloaf is baking, cook the macaroni noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth.

Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, then whisk well. Stir in the cooked macaroni noodles, ensuring they are evenly coated. Mix in 2 cups of shredded cheese.

Once the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven.

Evenly spread the macaroni and cheese mixture over the meatloaf.

Top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese.

Return to the oven and bake for another 17-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and golden brown.

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
• Try adding crispy bacon bits to the mac and cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serve with a side of green beans or a simple salad for a complete meal.