Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: How to Make It Perfect

Minced Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole always takes me back to evenings spent with family and friends, as most people consider it a rich and hearty dish that everyone, young and old alike, enjoys. Every bite gives me a feeling of comfort and connection, reminding me how food can carry memories and turn simple moments into something unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this cheesy meatloaf and macaroni and cheese casserole because it combines two types of comfort foods in one delicious dish. Creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese meets tender, flavorful meatloaf for a satisfying, family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weekdays. It satisfies children and adults alike.

Ingredients List

You’ll need:

• Ground beef (80/20 blend)
• onion, finely diced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• breadcrumbs
• Large eggs
• ketchup
• barbecue sauce
• Lipton onion soup
• teaspoon salt and teaspoon black pepper
• macaroni noodles
• whole milk
• cheddar cheese soup
• shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
• butter
• all-purpose flour
• sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• mozzarella cheese, grated
• cream cheese

What is mac and cheese meatloaf casserole

This mac and cheese meatloaf casserole masterfully combines two beloved comfort foods into one extraordinary dish that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort. The layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and tender pasta create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will become your family’s new favorite dinner, Ready to create this amazing comfort food fusion?

Timing

How to Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the red sauce.

In a medium bowl, mix the ketchup and barbecue sauce together well until the sauce is smooth.

Step 2: Prepare the meat mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and cracker crumbs with the Lipton onion soup mix, two eggs, and the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture prepared earlier.

Use your hands to mix all the ingredients well. Until it becomes one mass

Step 3: Place the mixture in the tray.

Grease a baking pan with butter, then pour in the meat mixture you prepared and press it evenly until it covers the entire pan. Add the remaining sauce mixture on top of the meat.

Place the tray in the oven and bake for thirty minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the cream sauce.

Get a large bowl to mix the creamy sauce. Pour in the milk and condensed cheese soup and mix well. Then add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl and mix again until all the ingredients are gone and it becomes one mixture.

Step 5: Mix the pasta and sauce.

Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the bowl. Stir everything until the pasta is covered with the liquid mixture. Then add the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir the ingredients well.

Step 6: the Finishing touches

After thirty minutes, remove the tray from the oven and pour the creamy pasta mixture over the meat, spreading it evenly to make the dish even more delicious. Add a final touch of grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese to the tray, return the dish to the oven, and bake for about twenty minutes until the cheese melts and browns.

Pro Cooking Tips

Expert Advice for Perfect Results:

• Prevent Dryness: Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal moisture. Leaner meat can result in a dry mac & cheese meatloaf casserole.
• Cheese Sauce Mastery: Always remove the saucepan from heat before adding cheese to prevent curdling. Add cheese gradually while whisking constantly.
• Texture Balance: Cook pasta 1-2 minutes less than package directions since it continues cooking in the oven.
• Even Cooking: Press the meatloaf layer firmly and evenly to ensure uniform cooking throughout your mac & cheese meatloaf casserole.
• Golden Top: For extra browning, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Creative Serving Ideas:

• Classic Comfort: Serve your mac & cheese meatloaf casserole with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that satisfies all comfort food cravings.
• Southern Style: Pair with cornbread, coleslaw, and green beans for a hearty Southern-inspired dinner.
• Steakhouse Vibes: Complement with roasted Brussels sprouts and a wedge salad for an upscale comfort food experience.
• Family-Friendly: Serve with steamed broccoli and dinner rolls – kids love the cheesy goodness while parents appreciate the hidden vegetables.
• Portion Control: Cut into squares and serve with a light cucumber salad for a balanced meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
• Leftover Magic: Transform leftovers into breakfast by serving with scrambled eggs and toast.

How to Store and Reheat

Store Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole by letting it cool completely, then placing it in an airtight container or tightly wrapping the dish with foil before refrigerating for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions. Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered, until warmed through, or microwave smaller servings, adding a splash of milk to keep the mac and cheese creamy.

Similar recipes you’ll want to try

• Brisket Mac and Cheese
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
• Ground Turkey Casserole Recipes
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf recipe
• Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Recipe

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving – 8 servings total):

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: How to Make It Perfect

By Nancy

Want a kid-friendly dinner that actually satisfies adults too? This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect pick. Discover more now.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients

  

• Ground beef 80/20 blend
• onion finely diced
• Garlic cloves minced
• breadcrumbs
• Large eggs
• ketchup
• barbecue sauce
• Lipton onion soup
• teaspoon salt and teaspoon black pepper
• macaroni noodles
• whole milk
• cheddar cheese soup
• shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
• butter
• all-purpose flour
• sharp cheddar cheese grated
• mozzarella cheese grated
• cream cheese

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the red sauce.

• In a medium bowl, mix the ketchup and barbecue sauce together well until the sauce is smooth.

Step 2: Prepare the meat mixture

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and cracker crumbs with the Lipton onion soup mix, two eggs, and the ketchup and barbecue sauce

Step 3: Place the mixture in the tray.

• Grease a baking pan with butter, then pour in the meat mixture you prepared and press it evenly until it covers the entire pan.

Step 4: Prepare the cream sauce.

• Pour in the milk and condensed cheese soup and mix well. Then add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper

Step 5: Mix the pasta and sauce.

• Add the cooked pasta to the bowl. Stir the ingredients. Then add the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir the ingredients well.

Step 6: the Finishing touches

• Remove the tray from the oven and pour the creamy pasta mixture over the meat, spreading it evenly. Add the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese to the tray and return the dish to the oven.

Notes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 32g (64% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 38g (13% DV)
• Fat: 26g (40% DV)
• Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
• Sugar: 8g

Keyword Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

FAQ Section

Conclusion

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is more than a cozy, satisfying dish it’s a little reminder of how food gathers people together. Every slice feels like a warm hug, carrying memories of shared dinners and easy laughter. It’s the kind of recipe that lingers in your home long after the plates are cleared.