Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, comfort food recipe

Ultimate Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: Comfort Food Perfection

by

Advertisement

There’s nothing quite like the combination of savory meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese—and this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole brings them together in one irresistible dish! Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this hearty recipe is packed with flavor, cheese, and pure comfort.

In this article, we’ll cover:
✔ Why This Casserole Is a Must-Try
✔ Key Ingredients & Easy Swaps
✔ Step-by-Step Instructions
✔ Pro Tips for the Best Results
✔ Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
✔ Serving Suggestions & Variations

Let’s dive in and make the ultimate comfort food mashup!

Why You’ll Love This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

🔥 Two Classics in One – Juicy meatloaf meets creamy mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort dish.
🧀 Cheesy & Flavor-Packed – A blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and cheese soup makes it extra rich.
🍝 Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will devour this meal.
⏳ Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers taste just as delicious reheated.
🔄 Easy Customization – Swap meats, cheeses, or sauces to suit your taste.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Meatloaf Layer:

  • Ground beef (2 lbs) – Lean (85/15 or 90/10) works best. Swap with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Ritz crackers (30 crackers) – Adds texture and binds the meatloaf. Substitute with breadcrumbs or gluten-free crackers.
  • Lipton onion soup mix (2 oz) – Boosts flavor. Use homemade onion seasoning if preferred.
  • Eggs (2) – Helps bind the meatloaf.
  • Ketchup + BBQ sauce (1 cup each) – Sweet Baby Ray’s adds a smoky-sweet glaze. Use any BBQ sauce you love.

For the Mac & Cheese Layer:

  • Macaroni noodles (3 cups uncooked) – Elbow, shells, or cavatappi work well.
  • Condensed cheddar cheese soup (10.5 oz) – Creates a creamy base. Swap with homemade cheese sauce if needed.
  • Milk (2 cups) – Whole milk makes it richest, but any milk works.
  • Shredded cheese blend (4 cups) – Mozzarella + cheddar is perfect, but try Gouda, pepper jack, or Colby.
  • Seasonings – Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper enhance flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Meatloaf Base

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • In a bowl, mix ketchup + BBQ sauce and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, and ½ cup of the sauce mixture. Mix well.
  • Press the meatloaf mixture into the baking dish. Spread the remaining sauce on top.
  • Bake for 30 minutes.

2. Cook the Mac & Cheese

  • While the meatloaf bakes, cook macaroni noodles al dente, then drain.
  • In a bowl, whisk milk + cheese soup until smooth. Add seasonings, cooked macaroni, and 2 cups of shredded cheese. Stir well.

3. Assemble & Bake

  • Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Pour the mac and cheese on top, spreading evenly.
  • Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheese on top.
  • Bake for 17-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  • Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Casserole

✅ Don’t Overmix the Meatloaf – Mix just until combined to keep it tender.
✅ Undercook Pasta Slightly – It will soften more while baking.
🔥 Broil for a Crispy Top – If you love extra browning, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
🍽 Let It Rest – Allows layers to set for cleaner slices.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

❄ Prep Ahead – Assemble the casserole (unbaked) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
🍱 Leftovers – Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
⛄ Freezer-Friendly – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

What to Serve With It:

🥗 Fresh Salad – A crisp green salad balances the richness.
🍞 Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra cheese.
🥦 Roasted Veggies – Broccoli or Brussels sprouts add a healthy touch.

Fun Variations:

🌶 Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the mac and cheese.
🧀 Bacon Lovers – Mix crumbled bacon into the meatloaf or sprinkle on top.
🍗 Italian Twist – Use Italian seasoning and marinara instead of BBQ sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup—juicy, cheesy, and totally irresistible! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Ready to make it? Grab your ingredients and get cooking!

Tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments! 😍👇

Leave a Comment