Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole (Print-Friendly Version)

Cheesy macaroni and savory beef combine in a hearty, comforting casserole baked to golden perfection.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ Meatloaf Base

01 - 2 pounds lean ground beef
02 - 30 Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 1/2 cups), or 1 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs
03 - 1 (2 ounce) packet onion soup mix
04 - 2 large eggs

→ Sauces

05 - 1 cup ketchup
06 - 1 cup barbecue sauce

→ Macaroni and Cheese Layer

07 - 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
08 - 2 cups milk
09 - 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1 tablespoon garlic powder
13 - 1 tablespoon onion powder
14 - 4 cups shredded cheese (combination of cheddar and mozzarella)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and position rack in center.
02 - Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or similar deep casserole dish.
03 - In a medium bowl, stir together ketchup and barbecue sauce until evenly combined. Set aside.
04 - In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, crushed crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, and half of the prepared ketchup-barbecue sauce. Mix only until just combined to prevent toughness.
05 - Press meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread the remaining ketchup-barbecue sauce over the top.
06 - Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes to partially cook the meatloaf base.
07 - Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain well. In a bowl, whisk together milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Fold in cooked macaroni and 2 cups shredded cheese until evenly coated.
08 - After 30 minutes of baking, remove the dish from oven. Evenly pour the macaroni-cheese mixture over the meatloaf layer, smoothing to the edges.
09 - Sprinkle remaining 2 cups shredded cheese over the top of the macaroni layer.
10 - Return the dish to oven and continue baking for 17 to 20 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
11 - Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set. Serve warm.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Allowing the casserole to rest before cutting ensures clean slices and helps flavors meld.

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