Looking for a comforting and delicious meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole! This dish combines two classic comfort foods into one hearty and flavorful casserole that is perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of creamy mac and cheese with savory meatloaf is a match made in culinary heaven.
- This dish is easy to make and requires simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
- It’s perfect for meal prep, making it a great option for busy weeknights or to enjoy as leftovers for lunch.
Ingredient Notes:
- Ritz crackers: Adds a crunchy texture to the dish.
- Lean ground beef: Provides a hearty and savory base for the meatloaf.
- Onion soup mix: Adds flavor and depth to the meatloaf.
- Elbow macaroni noodles: The classic pasta choice for mac and cheese.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, crush Ritz crackers and mix with ground beef, onion soup mix, egg, ketchup, and half of the BBQ sauce.
- Press the meatloaf mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and milk until thickened.
- Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until melted.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and mix well.
- Spread the mac and cheese mixture over the meatloaf in the baking dish.
- Top with the remaining BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Helpful Tips:
- For a healthier version, use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Customize the dish by adding in your favorite mix-ins like diced bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Use high-quality cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. For drinks, try serving it with a glass of your favorite red wine or a cold beer.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, cover the casserole dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of milk if needed to maintain creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use ground pork instead of beef for the meatloaf? Yes, feel free to use your preferred ground meat.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and bake when ready to serve.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, this dish freezes well. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines the classic flavors of mac and cheese with the heartiness of meatloaf in a comforting casserole dish.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Layer:
- 15 Ritz crackers
- 1 pound lean ground beef (I used 90/10)
- 1 (1 oz) packet onion soup mix
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup bbq sauce, divided
Mac and Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups water
- 8 oz elbow macaroni noodles
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare meatloaf layer: In a large bowl, crush the Ritz crackers and mix with ground beef, onion soup mix, egg, ketchup, and half of the bbq sauce. Press mixture into the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Prepare mac and cheese layer: Cook macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Drain and mix with butter, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, milk, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Pour over the meatloaf layer.
- Bake: Top with remaining cheddar cheese and bbq sauce. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite mix-ins like diced vegetables or bacon.
- Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend in the mac and cheese layer for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg