If you're looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines two of the most beloved classic dishes: creamy macaroni and cheese with hearty, savory meatloaf. This casserole delivers layers of cheesy goodness with a rich, flavorful ground beef base. Topped with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar, it's the kind of meal that makes any weeknight dinner feel extra special. The mix of ketchup and barbecue sauce gives a tangy, sweet, and smoky kick to the meatloaf, while the macaroni adds a comforting, creamy texture. Perfect for families or potlucks, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.

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The Appeal of Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole  

This casserole brings the best of both worlds – the savory, herby richness of meatloaf paired with the cheesy, creamy comfort of macaroni. Every bite offers a balanced mix of tender ground beef, cheesy pasta, and a sweet and smoky sauce. The topping of melted cheese creates a delightful golden crust, adding both texture and flavor. If you're craving hearty comfort food, this is the dish to satisfy your hunger. It's simple enough for a weekday dinner but indulgent enough to serve as a special treat.

Nutritional Information for Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole (Per Serving, Serves 8-10)  

• • Calories: 600 kcal  
  • Protein: 30g  
  • Fat: 35g  
  • Carbohydrates: 45g  
  • Fiber: 2g  
  • Sugar: 12g  
  • Sodium: 1,100mg  

Serving Suggestions for Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole  

This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving. It's a hearty dish that can stand on its own, but garlic bread on the side also makes for a perfect companion. If you're feeling adventurous, serve with a tangy coleslaw or roasted Brussels sprouts to complement the creamy and cheesy textures.

Storage Information to Keep Your Casserole Fresh  

Leftover Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm up the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.

An Extra Fun Tip to Elevate Your Casserole  

For a more gourmet twist, consider adding caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms to the ground beef layer for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle a little extra barbecue sauce on top before baking for an extra layer of tangy sweetness. If you're feeling indulgent, mix some crispy bacon pieces into the macaroni and cheese layer for a smoky, savory addition.

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Mac & Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe  

Ingredients:  

For the Meatloaf Base:  

• - 2 lbs lean ground beef  
• - 30 Ritz Crackers (crushed)  
• - 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix  
• - 2 eggs  
• - 1 cup ketchup  
• - 1 cup hickory & brown sugar barbecue sauce  
• - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce  
• - 1 tsp salt  
• - 1 tsp pepper  
• - 1 tbsp garlic powder  
• - 1 tbsp onion powder  

For the Macaroni and Cheese Layer:  

• - 3 cups macaroni noodles (cooked and drained)  
• - 2 cups milk  
• - 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup  
• - 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend  

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish and set aside.  

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz Crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, ketchup, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until everything is fully incorporated.  

3. Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, forming the base layer.  

4. In a separate pot, cook the macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.  

5. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat and stir in the condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir to coat.  

6. Spread the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the meatloaf base in the casserole dish.  

7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend on top of the macaroni layer.  

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the meatloaf is fully cooked through.  

9. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the combination of rich meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese in every bite!

This casserole is the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and satisfying, making it an ideal comfort food for any occasion.