Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Name: Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs lean ground beef; 30 Ritz Crackers; 3 cups macaroni noodles; 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup; 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend; Ketchup and barbecue sauce for flavor

Published: December 1, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Filling: Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole provides a complete meal in one dish, combining protein and carbs for a satisfying dinner.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy families.
Kid-Friendly: The cheesy macaroni topping makes it appealing to children, ensuring that everyone will clean their plates.
Versatile Ingredients: You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite veggies or using different types of cheese.
Great for Leftovers: This casserole reheats well, making it an excellent option for meal prep or enjoying the next day.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, gather the essential tools to streamline your cooking process and ensure delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Ziploc bags
Rolling pin
9 x 13 inch baking dish
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients without mess.
Ziploc bags: Perfect for crushing Ritz crackers easily without scattering crumbs everywhere.
Whisk: Essential for blending liquids smoothly, ensuring there are no lumps in your sauce.

Ingredients

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty dinner recipe with a ground beef meatloaf base with macaroni and cheese baked on top.

Meatloaf Base 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

Macaroni Topping Ingredients

3 cups macaroni noodles
2 cups milk
10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend

How to Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauces

In a medium mixing bowl, dump the ketchup and barbecue sauce.
Stir until well combined. Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Make the Meatloaf Mixture

Place the lean ground beef into a large mixing bowl.
Crush the Ritz crackers in a large Ziploc bag using a rolling pin.
Pour the cracker crumbs into the bowl with the ground beef.
Add the onion soup mix and eggs into the meat mixture.
Incorporate 1/2 cup of the ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture into this bowl as well.
Mix all ingredients thoroughly using your hands until fully combined.

Step 4: Form the Meatloaf

Dump the meatloaf mixture into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
Press it out evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Spread the remaining ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture on top of the meatloaf.

Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf

Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Cook Macaroni Noodles

While your meatloaf bakes:
– Cook macaroni noodles according to package directions.
– Drain them once cooked.

Step 7: Prepare Cheesy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl:
– Combine milk with condensed cheddar cheese soup.
– Whisk until there are no lumps remaining.
– Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder; whisk well again.

Step 8: Combine Noodles with Sauce

Add cooked macaroni noodles to your cheesy liquid mixture. Stir until all noodles are coated evenly. Then fold in 2 cups of shredded cheese.

Step 9: Assemble Casserole

After removing meatloaf from oven:
– Pour macaroni mixture over it, spreading it out evenly.
– Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese on top.

Step 10: Final Bake

Return casserole to oven. Bake until cheese is melted and slightly browned, approximately 17–20 minutes.

Step 11: Serve

Once done, take it out of the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy your delicious Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole!

How to Serve Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are serving it for a family dinner or a gathering, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.

Add a Fresh Salad

Garden Salad: A simple mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds freshness and crunch.
Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing complements the casserole’s flavors wonderfully.

Pair with Bread

Garlic Bread: This warm, buttery bread adds a delicious touch to your meal.
Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from the casserole.

Include Some Vegetables

Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers nutrition and a pop of color on your plate.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a nice caramelized flavor that pairs well with the meatloaf.

Offer Toppings

Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkling some green onions on top adds a fresh bite.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, this is an easy way to spice things up.

How to Perfect Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

To make sure your Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and cheeses enhance the flavor significantly.
Mix Well: Ensure all ingredients are blended thoroughly for even cooking.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook macaroni al dente; they will continue to cook in the oven.
Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes before slicing; this helps it hold together better.
Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheese blends for unique flavors in each batch.

Best Side Dishes for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

To round out your meal featuring Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, consider these side dishes that complement its hearty nature well.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort alongside the casserole.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the meatloaf.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is a classic side that pairs beautifully with this dish.
Baked Beans: The sweet flavor of baked beans makes them a perfect match for meatloaf.
Sautéed Spinach: Quickly sautéed spinach adds color and nutrients to your plate.
Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad refreshes the palate after each bite of casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole can be easy, but there are common pitfalls that can ruin your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping the Preheating Step: Not preheating the oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 350F before starting.
Overmixing the Meatloaf: Mixing too much can make the meatloaf dense and tough. Just mix until ingredients are combined for a tender result.
Not Measuring Ingredients: Eyeballing ingredients may lead to imbalances in flavor and texture. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking times may vary based on your oven. Always check if the cheese is melted and slightly browned before serving.
Using Low-Quality Cheese: Low-quality cheese can affect both taste and texture. Opt for good-quality mozzarella and cheddar for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container.
It will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Wrap portions tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Oven: Preheat to 350F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat, covering to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions readers often have about Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole:

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option while maintaining similar flavors.

How do I customize my Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the meat mixture for added nutrition or flavor variations.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

What sides pair well with Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole?

Simple sides like steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad complement this hearty dish perfectly.

How do I know when it’s done cooking?

The casserole is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned, usually taking about 17-20 minutes after adding macaroni.

Final Thoughts

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a delightful meal that combines two favorites into one hearty dish. It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or at a family gathering, it’s sure to please everyone at the table!

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