Imagine two of the most nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dishes—meatloaf and mac and cheese—merged into one glorious casserole. That’s exactly what this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole brings to the table. It’s cheesy, hearty, and downright addictive, all while being simple enough for any home cook. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying dish to feed a crowd, this one-pan wonder brings warm, family-style vibes right to your home—no debate needed!
| Category | Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Calories (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinner / Casserole | 20 minutes | 55 minutes | 6–8 servings | ~550 kcal per serving |
Ingredients You’ll Need
Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s)
- 2 lb lean ground beef
- 30 Ritz crackers, crushed (or breadcrumbs)
- 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 large eggs
Mac & Cheese Layer:
- 3 cups cooked macaroni noodles
- 2 cups milk
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella & cheddar cheese blend (divided)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven & prepare sauce mix
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175 °C). In a bowl, whisk together ketchup and barbecue sauce—set aside half for topping. - Make the meatloaf base
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, crushed crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, and half of the sauce mixture. Press evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the remaining sauce on top. Bake for 30 minutes. - Prepare the mac and cheese
While meatloaf bakes, whisk together milk, condensed cheddar cheese soup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Stir in cooked macaroni and half of the shredded cheese. - Layer & finish baking
Spread the mac and cheese evenly over the meatloaf. Top with remaining shredded cheese. Return to the oven and bake for 17–20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Don’t overmix the meat — gentle mixing keeps the meatloaf tender.
- Glaze magic — the ketchup-BBQ mix adds both sweetness and moisture.
- Cheese lovers rejoice — layer cheeses to get that gooey top and creamy texture.
- Make-ahead friendly — Assemble up to mac layer and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add ~5 extra minutes baking time.
- Storage — Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in oven or microwave. Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or mac layer.
- Cheese Switch-Up – Swap cheddar/mozzarella for Gouda, Havarti, or Colby Jack.
- Protein Swap – Try ground turkey, flavor/texture.
- Gluten-Free – Use GF crackers or breadcrumbs and GF pasta.
Serving Suggestions
- Green side – A crisp salad or steamed broccoli brightens up the richness.
- Bread bonus – Serve with warm garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up every cheesy bite.
- Sweet corn – Buttered corn or cornbread pairs nicely with the savory casserole.
Conclusion
This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate in cozy, comforting meals—two beloved dishes married into one tilted-up, cheesy, meaty masterpiece. Easy ingredients, warm flavors, and that crowd-pleasing factor make it a win for both weeknights and weekend dinners. Gather around, dig in, and let every creamy, savory slice bring a smile. Happy baking and even happier eating!