Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting mashup that pairs classic meatloaf with creamy mac and cheese.

Introduction — Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole brings two favorites into one easy dish.
It is hearty, cheesy, and great for family dinners.

If you like simple comfort meals, you might also enjoy a quick snack idea like beans on toast with tuna and egg, which keeps the same easy, warm feeling.

Why make this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Make this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole when you want one pan that feeds a crowd.
It saves time and combines protein, carbs, and cheese in a single dish.

This recipe is good for busy nights, potlucks, or when you want leftovers for the week.

How to make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Follow simple steps to build this casserole in stages.
Start the meatloaf, then make the cheesy macaroni while the meat cooks.

For a quick swap or side idea, try pairing with a crunchy recipe like crispy waffles with bacon and cheddar for a fun twist.

Ingredients: Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 30 Ritz Crackers, crushed
• 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups macaroni noodles
• 2 cups milk
• 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend

Directions: Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Preheat oven to 350F.
• In a medium bowl, mix ketchup and barbecue sauce. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, mix ground beef, crushed Ritz Crackers, onion soup mix, and eggs.
• Add 1/2 cup of the ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture to the meat, mixing thoroughly.
• Press the meatloaf mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Top with remaining ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture.
• Bake for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook and drain macaroni noodles.
• Mix milk, cheddar soup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
• Combine noodles and sauce, adding 2 cups of cheese. Stir well.
• After baking, layer noodle mixture over meatloaf; top with remaining cheese.
• Bake for an additional 17-20 minutes until cheese is golden.
• Rest before serving.

How to serve Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Serve Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole warm and sliced like a lasagna.
Cut into squares and put on plates with a side salad or steamed veg.

A small green salad and pickles work well to cut the richness.

How to store Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Cool the casserole to room temperature before storing.
Cover tightly and keep in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

To freeze, wrap well and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Use lean ground beef for less grease.
• Crush the Ritz finely so the meat binds well.
• Do not overcook the pasta; it will finish in the oven.
• Let it rest 5–10 minutes so slices hold their shape.
• For another hearty snack idea, consider trying gammon rolls with cheese and pickle to keep meal planning easy.

Variation (if any) for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Add cooked bacon pieces to the mac mix for extra flavor.
• Stir in some steamed broccoli for veggies in the bake.

FAQs — Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Q: Can I make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake a little longer if chilled.

Q: Can I use different cheese for this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole?
A: Yes. Sharp cheddar or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack work well.

Q: Where can I buy special pans or tools for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole?
A: Buy it here.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers of Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole?
A: Reheat in a 350F oven until warm, or microwave single portions until hot.

Q: Is this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

A comforting mashup that pairs classic meatloaf with creamy mac and cheese, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Meatloaf

• 2 lbs lean ground beef Use lean to reduce grease.
• 30 pieces Ritz Crackers, crushed Crush finely for better binding.
• 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper

For the Mac and Cheese

• 3 cups macaroni noodles Do not overcook.
• 2 cups milk
• 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend Reserved some for topping.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 350F.
• In a medium bowl, mix ketchup and barbecue sauce. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, mix ground beef, crushed Ritz Crackers, onion soup mix, and eggs.
• Add 1/2 cup of the ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture to the meat, mixing thoroughly.
• Press the meatloaf mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Top with remaining ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture.

Cooking

• Bake for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook and drain macaroni noodles.
• Mix milk, cheddar soup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
• Combine noodles and sauce, adding 2 cups of cheese. Stir well.
• After baking, layer noodle mixture over meatloaf; top with remaining cheese.
• Bake for an additional 17-20 minutes until cheese is golden.
• Rest before serving.

Notes

Serve warm and sliced like a lasagna. Cut into squares and serve with a side salad or steamed veg. Cool before storing and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Keyword Casserole, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Mac and Cheese, Meatloaf