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Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole

It brings together two classic American favorites—savory meatloaf and creamy macaroni and cheese—into one hearty and satisfying dish. Both of these recipes have long histories in American home cooking.
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups milk
  • 30 Ritz crackers
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 10.5 oz can cheddar cheese soup
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 3 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 packet onion soup mix
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce and ketchup until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Place the ground beef in a large mixing bowl. Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and add them to the bowl with the beef.
  4. Add the onion soup mix, eggs, black pepper, and half of the BBQ sauce mixture to the bowl. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
  5. Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming a flat meatloaf layer.
  6. Spread the remaining BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the top of the meat.
  7. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. While the meatloaf layer is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles well and set aside.
  9. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cheddar cheese soup, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
  10. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce mixture and stir until the noodles are evenly coated.
  11. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
  12. Remove the baking dish from the oven. Carefully spread the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the baked meatloaf layer.
  13. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  14. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  15. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
  16. Enjoy!