Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

If you’re a fan of classic comfort foods, get ready for a game-changer. This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate combination of two family favorites—juicy, flavorful meatloaf and creamy, cheesy macaroni. It’s like getting the best of both worlds in one bite, making it the perfect dinner for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

I love recipes that bring people together, and this one is a crowd-pleaser every single time. Whether you’re feeding a house full of hungry kids or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this casserole will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and—let’s be honest—who can resist all that cheesy goodness?

Let’s dive in and make this delicious dish from scratch!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

This recipe is broken into two main parts: the meatloaf base and the mac and cheese topping. Here’s what you’ll need for each:

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar BBQ sauce
• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
• 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
• 2 eggs

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 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 & cheddar cheese blend

With just a few pantry staples and a little prep time, you’ll have a hearty, home-cooked meal ready to go.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1: PREHEAT & PREP

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking, so everything bakes up perfectly. Then, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside. A little cooking spray or butter on the dish prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

STEP 2: MAKE THE SAUCE

In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of ketchup and 1 cup of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce. This sweet and tangy sauce adds incredible flavor to the meatloaf, giving it a delicious glaze on top. Set it aside while you prepare the meat mixture.

this recipe

STEP 3: PREPARE THE MEATLOAF MIXTURE

Now, let’s build the foundation of this casserole—the meatloaf!

• In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef.
• Crush 30 Ritz crackers using a Ziploc bag and rolling pin (or just crush them with your hands). Add them to the bowl.
• Sprinkle in 2 oz of Lipton onion soup mix for a boost of savory flavor.
• Crack in 2 eggs to help bind everything together.
• Pour in ½ cup of the ketchup-BBQ sauce mixture to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.

Now, the fun part—mix everything together with your hands until fully combined. It might be a little messy, but trust me, it’s the best way to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

STEP 4: BAKE THE MEATLOAF

Once the meat mixture is fully mixed, press it evenly into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This will serve as the base of the casserole.

Now, take the remaining ketchup-BBQ sauce mixture and spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This creates a sweet, caramelized glaze as it bakes.

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Now that the meatloaf base is baking, it’s time to prepare the star of the show—the mac and cheese topping. A creamy, cheesy layer of pasta makes this casserole the ultimate comfort food mashup.

This mac and cheese is rich, smooth, and incredibly cheesy without being overly complicated. It comes together in just a few simple steps, and the best part? It bakes right on top of the meatloaf, absorbing all those delicious flavors.

STEP 5: COOK THE MACARONI

While the meatloaf is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 3 cups of macaroni noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure not to overcook them, as they will continue baking in the oven later.

Once the pasta is done, drain it well and set it aside while you make the cheese sauce.

STEP 6: MAKE THE CHEESE SAUCE

The key to a truly creamy mac and cheese is the sauce. Instead of using just shredded cheese, this recipe combines milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup for an ultra-smooth, velvety texture.

Here’s how to make it:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk and one 10.5-ounce can of condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth.
• Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of onion powder. Whisk everything together until well combined.

Now, stir in the cooked macaroni noodles until they are completely coated in the cheese mixture.

Next, add 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend, stirring until the cheese begins to melt into the sauce. This ensures every bite of mac and cheese is extra creamy and cheesy.

STEP 7: ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE

By now, your meatloaf should have been baking for 30 minutes. Carefully remove it from the oven and get ready to layer on the mac and cheese.

• Pour the mac and cheese mixture over the baked meatloaf, spreading it out evenly to create a thick, cheesy layer.
• Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly on top.

This final layer of cheese will melt and form a golden, bubbly crust on top, making the casserole even more irresistible.

STEP 8: BAKE AGAIN

Return the assembled casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted and just starting to turn golden brown.

If you love extra crispy cheese, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes to give the top a slight crisp without overcooking the mac and cheese.

STEP 9: LET IT REST & SERVE

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps everything set up so the layers hold together when serving.

Pair this hearty dish with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even some warm dinner rolls for a complete meal.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Making a Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole might sound like a big task, but once you’ve done it, you’ll see how simple and satisfying it is. Below are some common questions people have about this recipe to help make sure yours turns out perfectly every time.

CAN I MAKE THIS CASSEROLE AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes! You can prepare both the meatloaf and mac and cheese separately, then assemble everything in the baking dish. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

CAN I USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF PASTA?

Absolutely. While macaroni is the classic choice, you can use penne, rotini, cavatappi, or even shells for a fun twist. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO STORE LEFTOVERS?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To keep the mac and cheese creamy, reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore moisture. For larger portions, bake at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.

CAN I FREEZE THIS CASSEROLE?

Yes, this dish freezes well! Once the casserole has completely cooled, cut it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes, covered with foil.

CAN I MAKE THIS WITH GROUND TURKEY OR CHICKEN?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef. Just be sure to add a little extra seasoning since turkey and chicken tend to be milder in flavor. You may also need to bake it for an extra 5-10 minutes, as they contain more moisture.

WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH THIS CASSEROLE?

Since this dish is already hearty and rich, lighter sides work best. Here are a few great options:

• Steamed broccoli or green beans – adds freshness and balance.
• A simple side salad – a mix of greens, tomatoes, and a tangy dressing.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls – perfect for soaking up any extra cheese sauce.

CAN I ADD EXTRA INGREDIENTS TO THE MEATLOAF OR MAC AND CHEESE?

Of course! Feel free to get creative with mix-ins:

• For the meatloaf: Add diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
• For the mac and cheese: Mix in crumbled bacon, sautéed onions, or even diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

CONCLUSION

If you love classic comfort foods, this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is going to be a game-changer in your kitchen. It’s rich, cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it a guaranteed hit with family and friends.

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

---

• Author: Andrew Recipes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines two comfort food classics into one hearty, delicious dish! A flavorful, juicy meatloaf base topped with creamy, cheesy macaroni makes this the ultimate family dinner.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the meatloaf:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar BBQ sauce
• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
• 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
• 2 eggs

For the mac and cheese:

• 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 & cheddar cheese blend

---

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2️⃣ Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the ketchup and barbecue sauce. Set aside.

3️⃣ Prepare the meatloaf mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef.

Place Ritz crackers in a Ziploc bag and crush them using a rolling pin. Add the crumbs to the beef.

Add Lipton onion soup mix, eggs, and ½ cup of the ketchup-BBQ sauce mixture.

Use your hands to mix everything until fully combined.

4️⃣ Bake the meatloaf:

Press the meat mixture evenly into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread the remaining ketchup-BBQ sauce mixture over the top.

Bake for 30 minutes.

5️⃣ Cook the macaroni: While the meatloaf is baking, cook the macaroni noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

6️⃣ Make the cheese sauce:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth.

Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk well.

Stir in the cooked macaroni noodles until they are coated.

Mix in 2 cups of shredded cheese.

7️⃣ Assemble the casserole:

After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven.

Pour the mac and cheese mixture on top, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese over the top.

8️⃣ Bake again: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and just starting to brown.

9️⃣ Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad!

Notes

✅ For extra flavor, mix in crispy bacon bits or sautéed onions into the mac and cheese.
✅ Make it spicy! Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meatloaf mixture.
✅ Leftovers? Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
✅ Swap cheeses for Colby Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6-8