Mac and Cheese Meatloaf

If you love meatloaf and you love mac and cheese, wait till you try this mash-up of the two! This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf is everything comfort food dreams are made of—savory, cheesy, saucy, and oh-so-satisfying.

We start with a juicy, tender meatloaf packed with flavor and topped with a tangy-sweet barbecue glaze. Then we layer on creamy, gooey mac and cheese and finish it all off with a golden, cheesy crust. It’s the kind of dish that gets everyone excited to gather around the table.

Whether you’re making it for a weekend dinner, potluck, or to impress someone with your comfort food game, this one is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it reheats like a dream—so leftovers (if there are any!) are a bonus. Get ready for a hearty, home-cooked meal that hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two comfort food classics in one dish
• The perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and sweet
• Great for feeding a crowd
• Easy to prep ahead
• Leftovers are just as delicious the next day

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 generous portions
• Equipment Needed: Large mixing bowls, baking dish, saucepan, whisk, spoon/spatula, oven

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce

For the Meatloaf Base:

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 30 Ritz Crackers, crushed
• 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
• 2 eggs

For the Macaroni Mixture:

• 3 cups macaroni noodles
• 2 cups milk
• 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, stir together the ketchup and barbecue sauce until smooth. This sweet and smoky sauce will add depth to both the meatloaf and the glaze.

2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and crushed Ritz crackers (just crumble them in with your hands). Add the onion soup mix, eggs, and half a cup of the prepared sauce. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—don’t overwork it!

3. Form the Meatloaf Base: Grease your baking dish and press the meat mixture in evenly, making sure to fill the corners. Smooth the top, then spread the remaining sauce over it for that rich glaze.

4. Bake the Meatloaf: Pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 minutes. This partial bake sets the base before we add the macaroni layer.

5. Cook the Macaroni: While the meatloaf is baking, cook the macaroni until just shy of al dente—about 1 minute less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.

6. Make the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the pasta and half of the shredded cheese, mixing until well-coated.

7. Add the Mac and Cheese Layer: Carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Pour the mac and cheese mixture evenly over the top, spreading it to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the surface.

8. Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 17 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or chopped jalapeños to the meatloaf or cheese mix.
• Bacon Lovers: Mix in crumbled cooked bacon for an extra smoky flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in cooked spinach or steamed broccoli to the mac and cheese layer for a touch of green.
• Different Cheeses: Swap in Monterey Jack, Gouda, or pepper jack for a fun flavor twist.

Pro Tips

• Don’t overmix the meat—mixing just until combined keeps it tender.
• Press the meatloaf firmly into the baking dish to avoid air pockets and ensure even baking.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
• Letting the dish rest before slicing helps everything set up nicely and keeps the slices clean.
• You can prep both layers ahead of time and assemble right before baking the final time—perfect for busy days!

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