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Cheesy Mac and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Comfort Food Fans


  • Author: Isabella Hayes
  • Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (including prep and baking)
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten (contains), Dairy (contains)

Description

πŸ§€ Enjoy the comforting fusion of classic meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese packed into one hearty casserole.
🍽️ Perfect for family dinners, this dish combines savory flavors and cheesy goodness for ultimate comfort food satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs (about 900 g) lean ground beef (85/15 to 90/10 lean)
30 crushed Ritz crackers (about 15 crackers for smaller portions)
2 oz (56 g) onion soup mix (one packet or equivalent)
2 large eggs
1 cup (240 ml) ketchup
1 cup (240 ml) barbecue sauce, divided
3 cups (about 270 g) uncooked elbow macaroni noodles
2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
10.5 oz (approximately 300 g) condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
4 cups (about 400 g) shredded cheese blend of mozzarella and cheddar, divided (sharp cheddar recommended for richer flavor)


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and lightly grease a 9Γ—13 inch (23Γ—33 cm) baking dish.
2. Mix ketchup and half of the barbecue sauce, and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder; mix gently but thoroughly.
4. Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish as the base layer (about 3/4 inch thick).
5. Spread uncooked macaroni noodles evenly over the meatloaf base.
6. In a bowl, whisk together milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth, then pour over the macaroni layer to coat all pasta evenly.
7. Sprinkle 2 cups of the shredded cheese blend over the macaroni and cheese layer.
8. Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake for 50 minutes.
9. Remove foil, spread the reserved ketchup-barbecue glaze evenly over the casserole, then top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese.
10. Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned on the edges.
11. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

πŸ§‚ Allow ground beef to reach room temperature before mixing for tenderness.
🍲 Press meatloaf base evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
πŸ₯„ Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate; add 10-15 minutes more baking time if baking cold.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chilling time before baking (optional): 10-15 minutes if letting beef rest; refrigeration time if assembling ahead
  • Cook Time: 65-70 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 549
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: Cheesy Mac and Meatloaf Casserole, Comfort Food, Meatloaf, Mac and Cheese