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Meatloaf Mac Cheese Casserole

Meatloaf Mac Cheese Casserole: Speedy Comfort

  • Author: basmer1517
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A hearty comfort food casserole combining a juicy meatloaf base with creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese baked on top. This two-in-one dinner classic brings together two family favorites in a single dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef (80/20)
  • 30 Ritz crackers, crushed fine
  • 1 packet onion soup mix
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for topping (optional)
  • 1 pound macaroni noodles
  • 1 10.5‑oz can condensed cheddar cheese soup
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix together ketchup and BBQ sauce. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, and ½ cup of the ketchup-BBQ sauce mixture.
  4. Grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish and press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom.
  5. Spread the remaining ketchup-BBQ sauce mixture over the top.
  6. Bake the meatloaf base for 30 minutes.
  7. While the meatloaf bakes, cook the macaroni noodles according to package directions and drain.
  8. In a separate bowl, whisk together condensed cheddar cheese soup, milk, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth.
  9. Stir in the cooked noodles and half the shredded cheese (about 2 cups).
  10. After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven and layer the mac and cheese mixture on top.
  11. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese (about 2 cups) evenly over the mac and cheese.
  12. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  13. Let the Meatloaf Mac Cheese Casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
  • Use reduced-fat cheeses and skim milk for a lighter option.
  • For a gluten-free option, switch Ritz crackers for gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free macaroni.
  • This dish can be prepped ahead. Assemble up to the final bake, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. Thaw from frozen overnight in the fridge before warming.
  • Substitutes for Ritz crackers include plain or seasoned breadcrumbs, crushed saltines, or panko.
  • To make it spicier, add hot sauce to the ketchup-BBQ mixture or mix in diced jalapeños with the mac and cheese.
  • Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
  • Calories: Approximately 700-800 calories (estimated)
  • Sugar: Approximately 15-20g (estimated)
  • Sodium: Approximately 1200-1500mg (estimated)
  • Fat: Approximately 40-50g (estimated)
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 15-20g (estimated)
  • Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 25-30g (estimated)
  • Trans Fat: Less than 1g (estimated)
  • Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g (estimated)
  • Fiber: Approximately 2-4g (estimated)
  • Protein: Approximately 30-40g (estimated)
  • Cholesterol: Approximately 150-180mg (estimated)

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Find it online: https://www.recipesmollybaz.com/meatloaf-mac-cheese-casserole-recipe/