When comfort food cravings hit, few dishes satisfy quite like a warm, hearty casserole packed with gooey cheese, savory meatloaf, and creamy macaroni. Our Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines the best of both worlds—classic meatloaf and rich mac & cheese—into one delicious, family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a weekend gathering, this dish promises comfort and flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole takes the familiar elements of two all-time favorites and layers them into a single, satisfying dish. Ground beef meatloaf is baked with tangy barbecue sauce and ketchup, then topped with creamy macaroni mixed with melted cheeses and a cheesy soup base. The result is a juicy, cheesy, and hearty casserole bursting with flavor and texture.
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Hearty & Filling: Combining meatloaf and mac & cheese makes this casserole incredibly filling and satisfying.
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Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s a meal everyone can enjoy.
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Make Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance for easy weeknight dinners.
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Customizable: Add your favorite spices or veggies, swap cheeses, or use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
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Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, this casserole is like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the cooking process, gather these ingredients. For clarity, all quantities are provided using U.S. measuring cups and standard units.
For the Meatloaf Base:
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2 pounds lean ground beef (85% lean recommended for juicy meatloaf)
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30 Ritz Crackers, crushed (about 1 ½ cups crushed crackers)
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2 ounces Lipton onion soup mix (1 standard packet)
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2 large eggs
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½ cup ketchup
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½ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce (or your favorite brand)
For the Sauce Topping:
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1 cup ketchup
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1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
For the Macaroni & Cheese Mixture:
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3 cups elbow macaroni noodles (uncooked)
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2 cups whole milk
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10.5 ounces can condensed cheddar cheese soup
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon onion powder
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4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend (divided)
Optional Garnishes and Add-ins:
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Fresh parsley for garnish
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Hot sauce or chili flakes for a spicy kick
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Additional shredded cheese for extra cheesiness
Equipment Needed
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Large mixing bowls
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9×13-inch baking dish
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Medium saucepan for boiling pasta
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Whisk and mixing spoons
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Oven thermometer (to ensure precise baking temperature)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through the process stage by stage to ensure your casserole comes out perfectly every time.
1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish
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Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C).
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Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Meatloaf Mixture
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In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef.
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Crush the Ritz crackers finely and add them to the meat.
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Sprinkle in the Lipton onion soup mix, and crack the eggs into the bowl.
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Pour in ½ cup of ketchup and ½ cup of barbecue sauce.
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Using your hands or a spoon, gently but thoroughly mix all ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf dense.
3. Form and Bake Meatloaf Base
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Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to cover the base in an even layer.
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In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup ketchup and 1 cup barbecue sauce.
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Spread this sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
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Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
4. Cook Macaroni Noodles
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While the meatloaf bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 7-8 minutes).
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Drain the noodles and set aside.
5. Prepare Cheese Sauce Mixture
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In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cheddar cheese soup and whole milk until smooth.
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Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Stir in the cooked macaroni noodles and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella-cheddar cheese blend.
6. Assemble the Casserole
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After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven.
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Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the meatloaf base.
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Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese on top.
7. Final Bake
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Return the casserole to the oven.
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Bake uncovered for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned on top.
8. Rest and Serve
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Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
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Cut into squares and serve warm.
Preparation Time and Calories
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Preparation time: 20 minutes
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Cook time: 47-50 minutes (including two baking stages)
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Total time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
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Calories: About 550 kcal per serving (based on 8 servings)
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
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Use lean but juicy beef: 85% lean ground beef strikes a good balance between flavor and moisture.
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Don’t overmix the meat: Overworking the meatloaf mixture can cause it to become tough.
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Crush crackers finely: Ensure the Ritz crackers are crushed to fine crumbs so they bind the meatloaf well.
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Don’t skip resting: Let the casserole rest after baking to help it set and slice cleanly.
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Customize your cheese: Feel free to experiment with cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
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Add veggies: Stir in sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the macaroni mixture for extra nutrition.
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Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to step 6, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
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Crispier topping: For a crunchy top, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before the final bake.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
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Turkey or Chicken Meatloaf: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
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Spicy Kick: Add some cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the meatloaf mix.
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Low Carb: Swap macaroni for cauliflower rice and use almond flour instead of crackers.
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Side Pairings: Serve with steamed green beans, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables.
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Leftover Uses: Use leftover casserole to make delicious sandwiches or reheat as a quick lunch.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
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| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 120 mg |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
Note: Values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cheese instead of canned soup?
Yes, you can make a homemade cheese sauce using shredded cheddar, butter, and flour for a creamier, fresher taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole (before baking the mac & cheese topping), cover tightly with foil, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Final Thoughts
The Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate dish for those who want to indulge in rich, cheesy comfort food while enjoying the familiar flavors of classic meatloaf. With a gooey mac and cheese topping and tender meatloaf base, it’s a recipe that brings smiles to the dinner table every time. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a crowd, this casserole delivers satisfaction in every bite.
Give this recipe a try, and you may just discover your new go-to comfort meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy.