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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 66 reviews

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish combining the flavors of classic meatloaf with creamy mac and cheese, baked together for a satisfying one-pan meal. Ground beef is seasoned with onion soup mix and spices, layered with elbow macaroni and sharp cheddar cheese, then baked with a tangy BBQ and ketchup sauce for a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Mixture

  • 15 Ritz crackers
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 1 (1 oz) packet onion soup mix
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, divided
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp kosher salt

Mac and Cheese

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni noodles
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Make the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, onion soup mix, egg, ketchup, 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Prepare Macaroni: In a 9×13 inch casserole dish, add the uncooked elbow macaroni noodles, 2 cups of water, and 1 tbsp of butter. Sprinkle the kosher salt over the mixture. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out during baking.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the meatloaf mixture evenly over the uncooked pasta in the casserole dish. Drizzle 1/4 cup BBQ sauce over the top of the meatloaf layer.
  4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole covered with foil for about 45 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the meat is cooked through.
  5. Add Cheese and Milk: Remove the casserole from the oven, uncover, and pour the milk evenly over the top. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole.
  6. Final Bake to Melt Cheese: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set, then scoop into portions and enjoy your hearty, cheesy meatloaf mac and cheese casserole.

Notes

  • You can substitute sharp cheddar cheese with a cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
  • Using lean ground beef (90/10) reduces excess grease in the casserole.
  • Covering with foil during the initial bake prevents the pasta from drying out.
  • Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it hold together when served.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture.

Keywords: mac and cheese, meatloaf casserole, comfort food, baked pasta, ground beef casserole

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/mac-and-cheese-meatloaf-casserole-recipe/