Why Make This Recipe
Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf is a fun and delicious twist on two classic comfort foods. This dish combines the heartiness of meatloaf with the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave something warm and filling. Plus, it’s easy to make and sure to please both kids and adults alike!
How to Make Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf
Ingredients:
- 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:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ketchup and barbecue sauce. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef. Crush Ritz Crackers and add them to the bowl. Add the Lipton onion soup mix and eggs, then pour in ½ cup of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture. Mix all ingredients together until fully combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture on top. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Cook the macaroni noodles according to package directions, then drain.
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in cooked macaroni and 2 cups of shredded cheese.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Pour the macaroni mixture evenly on top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over it. Bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf
Serve this dish warm, right out of the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also offer extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
How to Store Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf
Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Tips to Make Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- For added spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the macaroni mixture.
- If you want a crunchy topping, sprinkle some crushed Ritz Crackers on top before baking the final layer.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding cooked vegetables, like chopped spinach or bell peppers, to the macaroni mixture. For a different flavor, try using different types of cheese, like pepper jack or gouda.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well in this recipe and can make it a bit lighter.
2. How long does it take to reheat leftovers?
You can reheat leftovers in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf and macaroni mixture the night before. Just assemble everything and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf
Ingredients
For the meatloaf
- 2 lbs lean ground beef Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- 30 pieces Ritz Crackers, crushed These add a nice flavor and texture.
- 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce Or any favorite barbecue sauce.
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
For the macaroni
- 3 cups macaroni noodles Cook according to package directions.
- 2 cups milk
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend Reserve some for topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ketchup and barbecue sauce, then set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, crushed Ritz Crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, and eggs. Pour in ½ cup of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture, and mix all ingredients until fully combined.
- Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture on top.
Cooking
- Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes.
- Cook the macaroni noodles according to package directions, then drain.
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in cooked macaroni and 2 cups of shredded cheese.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Pour the macaroni mixture evenly on top of the meatloaf. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over it.
- Bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.