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Ultimate Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Comfort
One cold night my kids wanted both mac and cheese and meatloaf. So we just went wild and mixed them into a single, super tasty dish. This became our family favorite right away. You get a yummy, flavorful meatloaf base with creamy cheesy pasta piled on top. We can't get enough around the dinner table.
A Crowd-Pleaser Every Time
This casserole totally wins because of those tasty layers. Savory meatloaf topped with melty, cheesy pasta is just perfection. It's a lifesaver meal for hectic evenings and everyone leaves the table happy and full. Plus leftovers? They're somehow even yummier the next day.
All You Need To Grab
- Macaroni Noodles: Can't have that cheesy topping without pasta.
- Shredded Mozzarella and Cheddar: Cheese overload is the best kind.
- Lipton Onion Soup Mix: Adds big flavor with almost zero effort.
- Ketchup and Barbecue Sauce: My pick is Sweet Baby Rays for that finish on top.
- Eggs: Help hold that meatloaf together just right.
- Spices: Go simple so the flavors really shine.
- Milk and Cheddar Cheese Soup: For thick, silky sauce you'll want to lick off the spoon.
- Ritz Crackers: Trust me, these make meatloaf extra tasty.
- Ground Beef: Lean is best for flavor without the grease.
Time To Cook
- Serve:
- Let the casserole settle, then dive in for some cheesy comfort.
- Assemble Casserole:
- Spoon that creamy pasta over the almost-done meatloaf, toss on more cheese, then finish baking till it's golden and bubbling.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- Whip up the sauce, stir in your cooked noodles, and get ready for layering.
- Cook Macaroni:
- Boil your noodles while the meatloaf is getting started in the oven.
- Prepare Meatloaf:
- Mix up your meatloaf, press it into your dish, slather with sauce, and pop it in to bake first.
My Favorite Cooking Tricks
Make sure your meatloaf mix is spread out nice and even for super good slices. Grate your cheese fresh so it melts in perfectly. Don't overdo the noodles—you want them just right. Letting everything chill for a few minutes after baking makes it much easier to dish up.
Leftovers For Days
This meal keeps really well in the fridge for around three days, or you can stash extras in the freezer for as long as three months. Reheat in the oven for the best bite, but the microwave does the job fast if you're starving.
Easy Ways To Change It
Go wild and use your go-to barbecue sauce, or try breadcrumbs instead of Ritz for a change. Sneak in some sautéed veggies if you're feeling healthy—my crew never complains. Mix up the cheese with sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for a new twist.
What To Serve It With
This is awesome next to a crisp salad or fresh steamed broccoli for a little balance. If I'm feeling fancy, I'll bake some garlic bread or a batch of cornbread. These sides just turn it into a full-blown feast.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I freeze this casserole?
Yep, you can freeze it and it’ll last around 3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then pop it in the oven covered till warm. Take the foil off near the end to crisp up the cheese on top.
- → Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Sure thing—you can cook the beef and mac in advance. Just stack ‘em together when ready, then bake till hot and melty. If starting cold, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- → Why do you add barbecue sauce to the meatloaf?
That BBQ sauce, especially Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar, gives the meat a hint of smokiness and sweetness. Seriously levels up the flavors. Blend in more or less depending on what you like.
- → My mac and cheese seems too runny - what went wrong?
Don’t stress! It’ll get thicker once it sits for a bit after baking. Stick to the right amounts for milk and cheese. If it still feels too thin, just toss in some extra cheese and let it rest longer after coming out of the oven.
- → What can I substitute for Ritz crackers in the meatloaf?
No Ritz? No worries. Plain breadcrumbs, crushed up saltines, or a few quick oats do the trick just fine. Use about the same amount and your meatloaf will still hold together and stay nice and moist.