This Mac and Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole combines two classic comfort foods into one hearty dish.
Perfect for family dinners, it’s flavorful, cheesy, and surprisingly easy to prepare!
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (Hickory & Brown Sugar preferred)
- 2 packets (2 oz total) Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red sweet bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- For the Mac and Cheese:
- 3 cups elbow macaroni noodles (recommend using 2 cups if using a 9×13 dish)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cheddar cheese soup
- 4 cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar and mozzarella recommended)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Meatloaf:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, eggs, Lipton Onion Soup Mix, diced onions, bell pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the ketchup-barbecue
sauce mixture. Mix thoroughly using a spatula or meat masher.
Spread the meatloaf mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Flatten it with a spatula.
Spread the remaining ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40–55 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C).
Prepare the Mac and Cheese:
Cook the macaroni noodles in salted boiling water for 10–12 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan over low heat, mix the cheddar cheese soup and milk until smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Gradually add half of the shredded cheese into the saucepan, stirring until melted and combined. Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Once the meatloaf has baked, carefully spread the mac and cheese mixture over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the mac and cheese layer.
- (Optional) Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top for extra flavor.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving. Pair with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Tips:
- If using 3 cups of macaroni, consider a larger casserole dish to avoid overflow.
- For added flavor, sauté the onions and bell peppers before mixing them into the meatloaf.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Enjoy this comforting, cheesy, and hearty casserole—perfect for satisfying cravings!
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