Description

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines two classic comfort foods into one delicious dish. Perfect for family dinners and gatherings, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Here’s how to make it

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
• 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

Preparation Method

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Prepare the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ketchup and Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce. Set aside 1/2 cup of this mixture for later.

Prepare the Meatloaf: In a large mixing bowl, add the lean ground beef. Crush the Ritz Crackers and add them to the bowl. Then, add the Lipton onion soup mix, eggs, and 1/2 cup of the ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture. Mix all the ingredients together until fully combined.

Bake the Meatloaf: Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture on top of the meatloaf. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Cook the Macaroni: While the meatloaf is baking, cook the macaroni noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the noodles.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in the cooked macaroni and 2 cups of shredded cheese until everything is well combined.

Assemble the Casserole: Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Pour the macaroni mixture on top of the baked meatloaf and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese over the top.

Bake the Casserole: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tips:
Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix and match different cheeses to suit your taste. Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Gouda can add a unique flavor to the dish.
Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the Ritz Crackers, soup mix, and noodles with gluten-free alternatives.
Make-Ahead Meal: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked right before serving. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting a crowd.
Conclusion:
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together the best of both worlds. The flavorful meatloaf base, topped with creamy mac and cheese, creates a meal that’s perfect for satisfying the whole family. Whether it’s for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!