Feeding a hungry crowd on a budget doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavor. This Easy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole uses simple, affordable staples like ground beef, elbow macaroni, and pantry spices to create a massive meal that tastes like a million bucks. It's the perfect solution for big families or meal-preppers looking for a high-protein, high-satisfaction dish that stretches a dollar. Why settle for a basic burger when you can bake an entire tray of cheesy, meaty goodness that will keep everyone full for hours?
This recipe features a moist ground beef casserole base with crushed Ritz crackers binder, condensed cheddar cheese soup for extra creaminess, and a golden bubbly cheese topping that makes this a make-ahead family dinner everyone will love. Whether you're looking for an easy version, a crockpot recipe, or the Pioneer Woman style, this simple dish delivers every time.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Ingredients for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- How to Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- My Top Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Little Moments in the Kitchen
- Substitutions for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Variations on Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Equipment for Making Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Storage Tips for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Adam's Tip for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- FAQ About Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- recipe
Why You'll Love This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Two favorites in one dish. Juicy meatloaf with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese all baked together saves time and dishes.
- Perfect for meal prep. This make-ahead family dinner can be assembled the night before and baked when you're ready.
- Kid-approved comfort food. The meatloaf base with BBQ glaze and seasoned mac and cheese layer appeals to picky eaters and adults alike.
Ingredients for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
This simple ingredient list creates the ultimate comfort food casserole fusion.
What You'll Need
For the Meatloaf Base:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 packet (1 ounce) Lipton onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the BBQ Glaze:
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For the Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for the golden bubbly cheese topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup crushed Ritz crackers (optional, for extra crunch)
Why These Ingredients Matter
Crushed Ritz crackers binder keeps the meatloaf moist. Using crushed Ritz crackers instead of plain breadcrumbs adds buttery flavor and helps bind the moist ground beef casserole together.
Condensed cheddar cheese soup creates creaminess. The condensed cheddar cheese soup mixed into the creamy macaroni and cheese layer ensures every bite is rich and cheesy without being dry.
Savory barbecue-ketchup sauce adds tang. The meatloaf base with BBQ glaze gets a sweet and tangy flavor boost that complements the richness of the seasoned mac and cheese layer perfectly.
How to Make Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Make the meatloaf base. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, diced onion, beaten eggs, milk, Lipton onion soup mix, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Press the moist ground beef casserole mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the BBQ glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar to create the savory barbecue-ketchup sauce. Spread half of this meatloaf base with BBQ glaze evenly over the meat layer.
- Cook the pasta. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the condensed cheddar cheese soup, milk, 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and fold in the cooked macaroni to create the creamy macaroni and cheese layer.
- Layer the casserole. Spread the seasoned mac and cheese layer evenly over the meatloaf base in the baking dish.
- Add the topping. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top for the golden bubbly cheese topping. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with crushed Ritz crackers if using.
- Bake. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and serve. Let the comfort food casserole fusion rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Drizzle with the remaining BBQ glaze if desired.
Quick Tip: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving so the layers set up and don't fall apart when you slice!
My Top Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Don't overcook the pasta. Cook the macaroni just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use lean ground beef. Using 90/10 ground beef prevents the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Make it ahead. Assemble the entire make-ahead family dinner up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Let it rest. Allowing the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking helps the layers firm up for cleaner slices.
Little Moments in the Kitchen
The first time I made this simple mac and cheese meatloaf casserole, Adam peeked into the oven and asked, "Mom, why are there two dinners in one pan?" I explained that sometimes the best recipes happen when you combine two classics. When I pulled it out of the oven with that golden bubbly cheese topping, his eyes lit up. "This looks amazing! Can I have the corner piece with extra crispy cheese?"
Grandma Viola smiled and said, "You know, back in my day, we called this 'Sunday supper magic.' When you couldn't decide what to make, you'd combine two favorites and everyone was happy. The secret is not skipping the resting time after baking. Ten minutes makes all the difference for clean slices."
If you love comfort food mashups, try our Cheeseburger Pie. It's another family favorite.
Substitutions for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Ground beef: Swap with ground turkey, ground chicken, or a mix of ground beef and pork for the moist ground beef casserole.
- Ritz crackers: Use plain breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed cornflakes for the crushed Ritz crackers binder.
- Condensed soup: Make your own cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheese instead of condensed cheddar cheese soup.
- Pasta: Use shells, penne, or rotini instead of elbow macaroni for the creamy macaroni and cheese layer.
Variations on Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Easy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Recipe (Classic Comfort): Follow the recipe above for the best mac and cheese meatloaf casserole that combines a meatloaf base with BBQ glaze and a creamy macaroni and cheese layer.
- Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Crockpot (Slow Cooker Version): Brown the meatloaf base in a skillet, transfer to a slow cooker, top with uncooked mac and cheese ingredients, and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours for an easy mac and cheese meatloaf casserole crockpot recipe.
- Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole (Vintage Style): Use a simple ketchup glaze instead of BBQ sauce and make the mac and cheese with just butter, milk, and American cheese for a retro old fashioned mac and cheese meatloaf casserole.
- Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole with Bread Crumbs (Extra Crispy): Add a layer of buttered breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan on top for extra crunch in this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole with bread crumbs variation.
- Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole Pioneer Woman (Hearty Loaded): Add bacon bits, diced jalapeños, and extra cheese to create a loaded version inspired by the mac and cheese meatloaf casserole Pioneer Woman style.
If you're looking for more cozy dinners, check out our Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes. Another weeknight winner.
Equipment for Making Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- 9x13-inch baking dish: The perfect size for layering the meatloaf base with BBQ glaze and the seasoned mac and cheese layer.
- Large mixing bowl: For combining the moist ground beef casserole ingredients without overmixing.
- Large saucepan: Essential for making the creamy macaroni and cheese layer with condensed cheddar cheese soup.
- Aluminum foil: Covering the casserole during the first part of baking keeps the golden bubbly cheese topping from browning too quickly.
Storage Tips for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Freezer: Freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Add 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time.
- Make-ahead tip: This make-ahead family dinner can be assembled completely up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Reheating tip: Reheat in a 325°F oven covered with foil for 20 to 25 minutes to keep the comfort food casserole fusion from drying out.
For another easy dinner, try our Grilled Cheese Burrito. Game day favorite!
Adam's Tip for Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
"The corner pieces are the best because they get extra crispy cheese on the edges! And don't forget to let it rest for 10 minutes or the mac and cheese will slide everywhere when you try to scoop it out!"
FAQ About Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
What are some common meatloaf casserole mistakes?
The most common mistake is overmixing the moist ground beef casserole, which creates a dense, tough texture instead of a tender meatloaf base. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Another mistake is not letting the casserole rest after baking. The layers need 10 minutes to set up, or the creamy macaroni and cheese layer will slide everywhere when you try to serve it. Using too much liquid in the mac and cheese can also make the casserole watery. Stick to the measurements for the condensed cheddar cheese soup and milk. Finally, overcooking the pasta before baking results in mushy noodles. Cook the macaroni just until al dente since it continues cooking in the oven. Following these tips ensures your comfort food casserole fusion turns out perfect every time with a golden bubbly cheese topping.
What is the one ingredient upgrade for better meatloaf?
The secret ingredient upgrade for a better meatloaf base with BBQ glaze is using a crushed Ritz crackers binder instead of plain breadcrumbs. The buttery, slightly salty crackers add incredible flavor and help keep the moist ground beef casserole tender and juicy. Another game-changing upgrade is adding a packet of Lipton onion soup mix, which infuses the meat with savory, umami-rich flavor without any extra chopping or prep work. For an even more flavorful meatloaf, try mixing in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of beef broth. These simple additions take your make-ahead family dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. The combination of crushed Ritz crackers and onion soup mix creates a meatloaf that's incredibly moist, flavorful, and never dry or bland.
What is the secret ingredient for mac & cheese?
The secret to an ultra-creamy seasoned mac and cheese layer is using condensed cheddar cheese soup along with regular shredded cheese. The condensed soup adds a silky, creamy texture that stays smooth even after baking, while the shredded cheese provides that authentic cheesy flavor. Another secret is using a combination of sharp cheddar for flavor and mozzarella for stretchiness, creating the perfect creamy macaroni and cheese layer. A pinch of garlic powder elevates the flavor without overpowering the cheese. Some cooks also add a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream for extra richness. The key is not overcooking the pasta before adding it to the cheese sauce. Al dente pasta absorbs the sauce perfectly and doesn't turn mushy during baking, resulting in that golden bubbly cheese topping everyone loves.
What not to put in meatloaf?
Avoid adding too much liquid to your moist ground beef casserole, which can make it soggy and prevent it from holding its shape. Don't use lean ground beef that's higher than 90/10, as it can dry out during baking. Skip adding raw vegetables with high water content like zucchini or fresh tomatoes, which release moisture and make the meatloaf base watery. Never skip the crushed Ritz crackers binder or breadcrumbs entirely, as they're essential for binding the meat together. Avoid over-seasoning with salt if you're using a packet of Lipton onion soup mix, which already contains plenty of sodium. Don't pack the meat mixture too tightly into the pan, which creates a dense, tough texture. Finally, resist the urge to cut into the comfort food casserole fusion immediately after baking. Let it rest for 10 minutes so the meatloaf base with BBQ glaze and the creamy macaroni and cheese layer can set properly.
For another delicious comfort food recipe, check out this Homemade Mac and Cheese from Allrecipes.
Conclusion
Proof that you can eat like royalty without breaking the bank! This budget meatloaf casserole is a testament to the power of simple ingredients done right. It's a sturdy, reliable recipe that you can easily double for a neighborhood gathering or a school fundraiser. If you enjoyed this wallet-friendly meal, don't forget to hit the "Pin" button and save it to your "Cheap Eats" board. I'd love to hear, do you prefer your meatloaf base with a classic ketchup glaze or a smoky BBQ twist?
Whether you serve it on a busy weeknight or bring it to a potluck, this simple mac and cheese meatloaf casserole always disappears fast. The layers of moist ground beef casserole and creamy macaroni and cheese layer make this the ultimate comfort food casserole fusion. Please leave a 5-star rating below and let me know how your family loved it! For more hearty dinners, try our Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini. Happy cooking!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole:
recipe
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish Lightly grease to prevent sticking.
- Large mixing bowl Big enough for mixing meatloaf without overworking it.
- Medium saucepan For the cheese sauce.
- Aluminum foil Helps keep the casserole moist while baking.
Ingredients
- 2 lb lean ground beef 90/10 works best
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers acts as the binder
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 0.5 cup whole milk
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef, crushed crackers, onion, eggs, milk, onion soup mix, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until just combined.
- Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Mix barbecue sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar. Spread half of the mixture over the meatloaf base.
- Cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, then drain.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together the cheddar cheese soup, milk, 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, and mozzarella until smooth and creamy.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Spread the mac and cheese evenly over the meatloaf layer and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
For a lighter version, ground turkey works well in place of beef.
This is one of those recipes I hope my daughter keeps making long after she’s grown, because it tastes like home.
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