Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole – Cheap Simple Recipes

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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup ketchup
1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
2 lbs lean ground beef
30 Ritz Crackers
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

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ketchup and barbecue sauce, then set aside.
Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef. Place Ritz crackers in a large Ziploc bag and crush them using a rolling pin, then add the crumbs to the ground beef. Add the Lipton onion soup mix and eggs to the ground beef mixture. Pour in 1/2 cup of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture. Use your hands to mix all of the ingredients together until fully combined. Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture on top of the meatloaf.
Bake Meatloaf: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Cook Macaroni: While the meatloaf is baking, cook the macaroni noodles according to the package directions, then drain.
Prepare Mac and Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until no lumps remain. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the bowl and whisk well. Stir in the cooked macaroni noodles until they are coated in the liquid. Mix in 2 cups of the shredded cheese.
Assemble Casserole: Once the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven. Pour the macaroni mixture on top of the meatloaf and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese on top of the macaroni.
Bake Casserole: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted and just starting to brown.
Serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole:

Can I use different types of ground meat?
- Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of ground beef.
Can I use a different brand of barbecue sauce?
- Yes, you can use any brand of barbecue sauce you prefer or make your own homemade sauce.
Can I make it ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, you can freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I add vegetables to the mac and cheese mixture?
- Yes, you can add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or broccoli to the mac and cheese mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer such as penne, rotini, or shells.
Can I omit the cheese on top?
- Yes, you can omit the shredded cheese on top if desired, but it adds extra flavor and texture to the casserole.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
- Yes, you can use fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or thyme instead of dried herbs for a fresher flavor.
Can I make it spicy?
- Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the meatloaf mixture for a spicy kick.
Can I use store-bought meatloaf mix instead of ground beef?
- Yes, you can use store-bought meatloaf mix, but adjust the seasoning accordingly since it may already contain seasonings.
Can I use gluten-free crackers for the meatloaf?
- Yes, you can use gluten-free crackers for the meatloaf if you are following a gluten-free diet.
Can I use whole milk instead of condensed milk?
- Yes, you can use whole milk instead of condensed milk, but the consistency of the sauce may be thinner.
Can I add bacon to the meatloaf mixture?
- Yes, you can add cooked and crumbled bacon to the meatloaf mixture for added flavor and texture.
Can I use a different type of cheese in the mac and cheese mixture?
- Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer such as American, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.
Can I use a different type of soup in the mac and cheese mixture?
- Yes, you can use any type of condensed soup such as cream of mushroom or cream of chicken for added flavor.
Can I make it vegetarian?
- Yes, you can omit the ground beef and use vegetarian meat substitute or additional vegetables in the meatloaf mixture.
Can I add breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch?
- Yes, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the casserole before baking for extra crunch and texture.

Certainly! Here are secrets to help you achieve the perfect Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole:

Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Proper Seasoning: Season each component (meatloaf, mac and cheese) generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for balanced flavor.
Balanced Sauces: Use a combination of ketchup and barbecue sauce for the meatloaf and condensed cheddar cheese soup for the mac and cheese to add depth of flavor.
Ground Beef Fat Content: Opt for lean ground beef to prevent excess grease in the casserole while still retaining moisture and flavor.
Egg Binder: Eggs help bind the meatloaf mixture together, ensuring it holds its shape and stays moist during baking.
Cracker Crumbs: Crushed Ritz crackers add texture and act as a binder in the meatloaf, creating a tender and flavorful result.
Onion Soup Mix: Lipton onion soup mix adds savory depth and flavor to the meatloaf without the need for chopping onions.
Preheating the Oven: Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking to promote even cooking and browning.
Greased Baking Dish: Grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Even Meatloaf Distribution: Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the baking dish to ensure consistent cooking throughout.
Topping Distribution: Spread the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the meatloaf to add moisture and flavor to each slice.
Cooking Time: Bake the meatloaf for the specified time to ensure it is cooked through but still juicy and tender.
Macaroni Texture: Cook the macaroni noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when baked in the casserole.
Liquid Ratio: Whisk the milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup together until smooth to ensure the mac and cheese mixture is creamy and well-coated.
Cheese Selection: Use a blend of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese for the perfect balance of meltability and flavor.
Seasoning Integration: Whisk the seasonings into the milk and soup mixture to evenly distribute flavor throughout the mac and cheese.
Layering Technique: Layer the macaroni mixture over the meatloaf evenly to create a cohesive and visually appealing casserole.
Cheese Coverage: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole to ensure every bite is gooey and cheesy.
Golden Brown Finish: Bake the casserole until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly for an irresistible crispy texture.
Resting Time: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to set and cool slightly before serving to prevent it from falling apart when sliced.

By following these secrets, you’ll create a Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole that’s flavorful, moist, and utterly delicious!

Absolutely! Here are some tips to make your Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole even more delightful:

Customize the Meatloaf: Add your favorite seasonings or mix-ins to the meatloaf mixture, such as Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, or diced onions, to enhance flavor and texture.
Upgrade the Barbecue Sauce: Experiment with different flavors of barbecue sauce to complement the meatloaf, such as honey barbecue, smoky chipotle, or spicy Sriracha.
Mix Cheese Varieties: Combine different types of cheeses for the mac and cheese layer, such as sharp cheddar, creamy Monterey Jack, or tangy Gruyere, for a more complex and indulgent flavor.
Add Bacon: Crumble cooked bacon and add it to the meatloaf mixture or sprinkle it on top of the casserole for a smoky and savory twist.
Incorporate Vegetables: Mix diced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the mac and cheese layer for added nutrition and flavor.
Use Different Pasta Shapes: Try using pasta shapes other than macaroni, such as penne, rotini, or bowties, to change up the texture and appearance of the casserole.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapenos to the meatloaf or mac and cheese layer for a spicy kick.
Top with Crispy Onions: Sprinkle crispy fried onions or French-fried onions on top of the casserole before baking for added crunch and flavor.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Finish the casserole with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil for a burst of freshness and color.
Drizzle with Truffle Oil: Drizzle a small amount of truffle oil over the finished casserole before serving for a luxurious and aromatic touch.
Add Tomato Sauce: Layer tomato sauce or marinara sauce between the meatloaf and mac and cheese layers for a classic Italian twist.
Mix in Pesto: Stir pesto sauce into the mac and cheese mixture for a vibrant green color and a burst of basil flavor.
Top with Bread Crumbs: Sprinkle seasoned bread crumbs or crushed croutons on top of the casserole before baking for a crispy and golden crust.
Make it Creamier: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese into the mac and cheese mixture for extra creaminess and richness.
Layer with Sliced Tomatoes: Arrange thinly sliced tomatoes on top of the meatloaf layer before adding the mac and cheese for a fresh and juicy addition.
Add a Cheese Crust: Sprinkle a layer of shredded Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole before baking to create a crispy and flavorful cheese crust.
Serve with Garlic Bread: Pair the casserole with garlic bread or garlic knots for a complete and satisfying meal.
Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze over the finished casserole for a gourmet touch.
Top with Sliced Avocado: Garnish each serving with sliced avocado or guacamole for a creamy and indulgent finishing touch.
Serve with Pickles: Serve the casserole with dill pickles or pickled jalapenos on the side for a tangy and refreshing contrast.