There are days when nothing—not takeout, not salad, not even leftover pizza—can fix the mood quite like a bubbling, cheesy casserole. And that’s where Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole swoops in like a hero in a skillet. Imagine tender ground beef seasoned just right, tucked under a creamy, golden blanket of macaroni and cheese. It’s part Sunday supper, part childhood favorite, and all kinds of satisfying.
This dish reminds me of my Texas farm days, when casseroles weren’t just food—they were community events. A neighbor would drop by, you’d hand them a plate, and suddenly dinner became a gathering. And let me tell you, this casserole has that same magnetic pull.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- It’s a two-in-one comfort meal: meatloaf meets mac and cheese.
- Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want second helpings guaranteed.
- Uses pantry staples—nothing fussy or hard to track down.
- Bakes up beautifully in under 90 minutes.
- Bonus: it reheats like a dream.
If you’ve tried my Cowboy Cornbread Casserole or the hearty Cattle Drive Casserole, this one deserves a spot right next to them in your weeknight dinner rotation.
What Does Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Taste Like?
Think of this casserole as a hug on a plate. The meatloaf base is savory with a hint of sweet barbecue glaze, while the macaroni layer adds creamy, cheesy richness. Mozzarella and cheddar team up to create that gooey pull we all secretly judge casseroles by. It’s smoky, cheesy, and hearty enough to keep even the hungriest at the table full.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
When it comes to making the Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, the ingredients are simple, familiar, and likely already sitting in your pantry. That’s one of the many reasons I adore casseroles—they bring comfort without sending you on a wild goose chase at the store. Think of this recipe as a mash-up of a hearty meatloaf dinner with everyone’s favorite side dish: creamy macaroni and cheese.
Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Lean ground beef (2 pounds): The star of the dish, providing that savory base layer. Lean beef works best because it keeps the casserole hearty without being overly greasy.
- Ritz Crackers (30, crushed): Instead of breadcrumbs, we’re adding buttery crackers for a little crunch and extra flavor in the meatloaf layer.
- Lipton onion soup mix (2 ounces): A simple seasoning shortcut that packs a lot of savory punch into the beef.
- Eggs (2 large): The glue that holds the meatloaf together, giving it structure while it bakes.
- Ketchup (1 cup) + Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce (1 cup): This duo creates the glossy, sweet-and-smoky glaze that makes every bite irresistible.
- Macaroni noodles (3 cups, uncooked): No casserole is complete without pasta. These little elbows soak up the cheese sauce perfectly.
- Milk (2 cups): The creamy base for our cheese mixture, helping everything blend together.
- Condensed cheddar cheese soup (10.5 ounces): A pantry staple that gives the macaroni layer its ultra-creamy texture.
- Seasonings (1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, plus 1 tablespoon each garlic powder and onion powder): These basics balance the richness and make sure every layer is seasoned just right.
- Shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese (4 cups total): Half goes into the macaroni mixture, the other half blankets the top for that melty, golden finish we all love.
If you enjoy this ingredient lineup, you might also love my Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole, which uses a similar mix of creamy and cheesy flavors but adds in some fresh veggies.
For a gluten-free version of this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, it’s easy to make swaps: gluten-free macaroni, gluten-free crackers, and a gluten-free condensed cheddar cheese soup will do the trick.
How to Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole (Step by Step)
Making this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is easier than you might think. You’ll be building two delicious layers—the savory meatloaf on the bottom and the creamy macaroni and cheese on top—before baking them together into one unforgettable dish. Here’s exactly how to do it:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray. This ensures nothing sticks and makes clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of ketchup and 1 cup of Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce. Stir until smooth. This is your glaze—half goes inside the meatloaf mixture and the other half gets spread on top for that glossy, flavorful finish.
Step 3: Build the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, add:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 30 crushed Ritz Crackers
- 2 ounces Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup of the ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture
Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix until just combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps your meatloaf tender.
Step 4: Press and Glaze
Press the beef mixture evenly into your greased 9×13 dish. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon, then spread the remaining glaze across the surface. This not only locks in flavor but also gives the meatloaf a gorgeous caramelized finish.
Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. While the meatloaf bakes, you’ll work on the macaroni layer.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook 3 cups of macaroni noodles according to the package directions, but shave off 1 minute of the cooking time. Slightly undercooked pasta will finish cooking in the oven and soak up the cheesy sauce perfectly. Drain and set aside.
Step 7: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups of milk
- 10.5 ounces condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon each garlic powder and onion powder
Whisk until smooth and creamy. Add the drained pasta and stir until every noodle is coated. Mix in 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and cheddar blend for extra cheesiness.
Step 8: Layer the Macaroni on Top
When the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, carefully remove it from the oven. Spread the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the meatloaf base. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese across the top.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
Return the dish to the oven and bake for 17–20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!
Step 10: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This gives the layers time to set, making it easier to cut neat portions. Serve warm and watch it disappear.
If casseroles are your kind of comfort food, you’ll also love my Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef. It’s another family-style recipe that’s just as cozy and crowd-pleasing.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Let it rest: Give the casserole 10 minutes to settle before slicing—it makes cleaner portions.
- Cheese mix-up: Try Colby Jack or smoked gouda for a flavor twist.
- Make ahead: Assemble the night before, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- Freezer friendly: Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven.
- Avoid soggy pasta: Slightly undercook your macaroni before mixing it with sauce.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. For freezer storage, cut into individual slices, wrap well, and freeze.
FAQs About Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the meatloaf and macaroni layers, assemble, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Turkey or even chicken works well if you prefer a lighter version.
What sides go with this?
A crisp green salad or roasted veggies balance out the richness beautifully.
Conclusion
There’s a reason this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole has “casserole” in its name twice—it doubles down on comfort. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and guarantees smiles at the table. Next time you’re craving something hearty, skip the drive-thru and bake this beauty instead. Trust me, your family will ask for it again and again.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meals.
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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: Quick, Cheesy & Delicious
- Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Treat yourself to the comfort food experience, with our delicious Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. This scrumptious plate incorporates the goodness of meatloaf with the pizzazz of macaroni and cheese all in one irresistible meal. Imagine tender, ground beef coated in a sweet barbecue glaze generously topped with a golden layer of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese. It’s a pleasurable feast choice that will warm your heart and leave you hungering more.
Ingredients
- 1 c. ketchup
- 1 c. Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 30 Ritz Crackers
- 2 ounces Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 large eggs
- 3 c. macaroni noodles
- 2 c. milk
- 10.5 ounces condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 4 c. shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl combine 1 cup of ketchup with 1 cup of Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce. Set aside this sauce, for later use.
3. In a bowl mix together 2 pounds of ground beef, 30 crushed Ritz Crackers, 2 ounces of Lipton onion soup mix, 2 eggs and 1/2 cup of the ketchup barbecue sauce mixture.
4. Press the mixture into a greased baking dish measuring around 9×13 inches. Spread the remaining sauce on top.
5. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
6. While it bakes, cook 3 cups of macaroni noodles following the instructions on the package. Once cooked drain them well.
7. In another bowl whisk together 2 cups of milk and 10.5 ounces of condensed cheddar cheese soup. Add in 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper along with one tablespoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth.
8. Add the macaroni noodles to the cheese mixture and stir until they are evenly coated. Then add in two cups each of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
9. After baking for around half an hour take out the meatloaf from the oven.
10. Spread the macaroni mixture evenly over the meatloaf. Sprinkle with two cups of remaining cheese.
11. Put it back in the oven. Let it bake for 17 to 20 minutes until the cheese melts and gets a light golden brown color.
12. Give it time to cool down then cut it into slices and serve. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
To ensure this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is suitable for a gluten-free diet you can make a few simple swaps:
Gluten-Free Crackers: Instead of using Ritz Crackers opt for gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs. You can find gluten-free options at most grocery stores.
Gluten-Free Macaroni: Use gluten-free macaroni noodles, which are readily available in most stores. Just make sure to cook them according to the instructions on the package.
Gluten-Free Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup: Look for a gluten-free condensed cheddar cheese soup. Consider making your own cheese sauce using ingredients that are free from gluten.
- Prep Time: 18 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, comfort food, cheesy meatloaf, baked casserole, family dinner
