Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Short Description
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines two comfort food classics into one satisfying meal. A savory meatloaf base is topped with creamy macaroni and cheese, then baked to golden perfection. This casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings, offering layers of flavor and texture in every bite.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Two Comfort Foods in One: Combines the rich flavors of meatloaf and mac and cheese.

Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and baked when ready.

Customizable: Easily adaptable with different cheeses or additional ingredients.

One-Dish Meal: Simplifies cooking and cleanup.

Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatloaf Layer:

1 pound (450g) lean ground beef

15 Ritz-style crackers, crushed

1 large egg

1/2 cup ketchup

1/2 cup barbecue sauce

1 ounce (28g) dry onion soup mix
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For the Mac and Cheese Layer:

1½ cups (175g) elbow macaroni

1 cup (240ml) whole milk

1/2 can (5.25 oz or 148g) condensed cheddar cheese soup

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 tablespoon garlic powder

1/2 tablespoon onion powder

2 cups (240g) shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend, divided
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Directions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish.

Prepare the Meatloaf Layer:

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed crackers, egg, dry onion soup mix, and half of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture.

Mix until well combined, then press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture over the top of the meatloaf.

Bake for 30 minutes.
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Cook the Macaroni:

While the meatloaf is baking, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth.

Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Stir in the cooked macaroni and 1 cup of the shredded cheese blend until well combined.
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Assemble the Casserole:

After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven.

Spread the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the meatloaf layer.

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
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Final Bake:

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing
Servings: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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Variations
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese blends like Monterey Jack or Gouda.

Vegetable Addition: Incorporate sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms into the meatloaf mixture.

Alternative Proteins: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
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Storage/Reheating
Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini.

Is it necessary to use condensed cheddar cheese soup?
While it adds creaminess, you can make a homemade cheese sauce using butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheese as an alternative.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to the final baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

What can I serve with this casserole?
A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables complement this hearty dish well.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free crackers and pasta, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

How can I reduce the calorie content?
Opt for lean ground meat, low-fat cheese, and skim milk to lower the calorie count.

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