Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup! It combines juicy, flavorful meatloaf with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese, creating a hearty and indulgent meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you need a satisfying dish that the whole family will love!
INGREDIENTS:
For the Meatloaf Base:
1 cup ketchup
1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar BBQ sauce
2 lbs lean ground beef
30 Ritz Crackers, crushed
2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
2 eggs, beaten
For the Mac and Cheese Topping:
12 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
For Garnish (Optional):
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for a pop of color)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Prepare the Meatloaf Base:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, beaten eggs, and half of the ketchup-BBQ sauce mixture.
Mix until well combined, then press into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, forming an even layer.
Spread the remaining ketchup-BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the meatloaf layer.
Bake for 30 minutes while preparing the mac and cheese.
2. Make the Mac and Cheese:
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until thickened (about 2 minutes).
Add cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring until smooth.
Remove from heat and mix in the cooked pasta, coating it in the cheese sauce.
3. Assemble & Bake the Casserole:
Remove the partially baked meatloaf from the oven.
Spread the mac and cheese evenly over the meatloaf.
Sprinkle with extra shredded cheddar cheese for a golden, melty topping.
Return to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm!