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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

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This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines two classic comfort foods into one irresistible dish. Layers of juicy meatloaf, tangy barbecue sauce, and creamy mac and cheese make it a hearty, cheesy dinner perfect for family meals, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

  • For the Meatloaf Base:
  • 2 lbs lean ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 1 packet Lipton onion soup mix
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
  • Sauce Topping:
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
  • For the Macaroni and Cheese:
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend (divided)
  • Optional Garnishes/Add-ins:
  • Chopped parsley
  • Hot sauce or chili flakes
  • Extra shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, crushed crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, ketchup, and BBQ sauce until combined.
  3. Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  4. Stir together ketchup and BBQ sauce for the topping. Spread evenly over the meatloaf layer.
  5. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
  6. While meatloaf bakes, cook macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  7. In a separate bowl, mix condensed cheese soup, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and 2 cups of shredded cheese. Fold in the cooked macaroni.
  8. Spread the macaroni mixture over the baked meatloaf layer. Top with remaining 1 cup of cheese.
  9. Bake for another 17–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  10. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley or other toppings and serving.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, top with buttered breadcrumbs before final bake.
  • Homemade cheese sauce can replace the condensed soup if preferred.
  • Can be made ahead and refrigerated before final baking.
  • Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
  • This dish can be frozen before baking for future meals—just thaw before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/mac-and-cheese-meatloaf-casserole-the-ultimate-comfort-food-mashup/