INTRODUCTION
Are you looking for a dish that combines comfort food favorites into one delicious meal? Look no further than Mac Cheese Meatloaf! This creative recipe blends the classic flavors of meatloaf with the cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese. It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy two beloved dishes in a single bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for dinner, Mac Cheese Meatloaf is sure to impress. With its hearty ingredients and creamy texture, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Mac Cheese Meatloaf offers something for everyone. First, it’s hearty and filling, perfect for satisfying even the hungriest eaters. The combination of ground beef and macaroni creates a unique twist that you won’t find in traditional recipes. Plus, the cheesy topping adds a delightful richness that makes this meal irresistible.
Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a skilled chef to make it. The instructions are straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find. It’s a great recipe for beginners or for anyone looking to prepare a comforting dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
This meal is also versatile! You can customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can experiment with different cheeses or spices to create your perfect version. Finally, it can be made ahead of time and stored for later, making it a great option for meal prep.
HOW TO MAKE Mac Cheese Meatloaf
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make Mac Cheese Meatloaf, you will need the following items:
- A 9×13 inch baking dish
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cooking pot for macaroni
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife for chopping (if necessary)
- Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 30 Ritz Crackers, crushed
- 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
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ketchup and barbecue sauce. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, crushed Ritz Crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, and eggs. Pour in 1/2 cup of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture. Mix all ingredients until fully combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture on top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- While the meatloaf is baking, cook the macaroni noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in the cooked macaroni and 2 cups of shredded cheese until well mixed.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Pour the macaroni mixture over the meatloaf and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and starting to brown. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
![image_2]
HOW TO SERVE Mac Cheese Meatloaf
Serving Mac Cheese Meatloaf is just as easy as making it! Once it’s out of the oven and slightly cooled, cut it into squares or rectangles. You can serve it straight from the baking dish or on individual plates. Pair it with a simple green salad or your favorite vegetable dish to round out the meal. Feel free to drizzle extra barbecue sauce on top for added flavor.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Mac Cheese Meatloaf
Storing leftovers is easy. If you have any Mac Cheese Meatloaf left after dinner, allow it to cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions. Wrap them in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen portions will last for about 3 months. To reheat, just defrost in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
While Mac Cheese Meatloaf is a delicious meal on its own, there are several tasty sides you can serve alongside it. Here are some suggestions:
- Steamed broccoli: Its green color adds a nice contrast and provides a healthy crunch.
- Garlic bread: This classic side pairs well with the cheesy flavors.
- Coleslaw: It adds a nice crunch and fresh taste to balance the richness of the meatloaf.
- Mashed potatoes: A creamy side dish that complements the flavors perfectly.
- Corn on the cob: This sweet treat adds another dimension to your meal.
VARIATIONS
Mac Cheese Meatloaf is a versatile recipe, and you can customize it in many ways. Here are a few ideas for variations:
- Different Meats: Instead of ground beef, try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Cheese Choices: Use different types of cheese, like pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the meat mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Option: Mix in some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to give it a spicy kick.
- Pasta Variations: Use different types of pasta, like penne or shells, instead of macaroni for a unique twist.
FAQs
![image_1]
-
Can I use a different type of soup instead of cheddar cheese soup?
Yes! You can use cream of mushroom soup or any cheese-flavored soup you prefer. -
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) when tested with a meat thermometer. -
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and macaroni in advance. Assemble it in the baking dish and store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake. -
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at a low temperature (around 325°F) until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for more convenience.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Mac Cheese Meatloaf
If you want to prepare Mac Cheese Meatloaf ahead of time, here’s how to do it:
- Assemble the meatloaf in the baking dish but do not bake it yet. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- You can also prepare the macaroni cheese mixture ahead of time. Just keep it stored in a separate container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, pour the macaroni mixture over the assembled meatloaf and bake as directed.
- This makes an excellent meal prep option for busy weeknights.
With this recipe, you can enjoy a unique twist on traditional comfort foods. Mac Cheese Meatloaf is sure to become a go-to dish for any occasion!
Mac Cheese Meatloaf
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ketchup and barbecue sauce. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, crushed Ritz Crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, and eggs. Pour in 1/2 cup of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture. Mix all ingredients until fully combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture on top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- While the meatloaf is baking, cook the macaroni noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stir in the cooked macaroni and 2 cups of shredded cheese until well mixed.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Pour the macaroni mixture over the meatloaf and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.