Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole combines two beloved comfort foods into one decadent dish. This casserole features a hearty meatloaf base topped with creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese, then baked to golden perfection. It’s an ideal meal for family dinners and potlucks.
2. **Make the Cheese Sauce:** In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
3. **Add the Cheese:** Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
4. **Combine with Macaroni:** Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
#### Assemble the Casserole:
1. **Top the Meatloaf:** Spread the prepared mac and cheese evenly over the baked meatloaf layer in the baking dish.
2. **Prepare the Topping:** In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
3. **Bake the Casserole:** Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
4. **Serve:** Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm.
### Tips:
– **Cheese Variations:** Feel free to use different types of cheese for the mac and cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Fontina, for added flavor.
– **Vegetable Additions:** You can mix in some finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the meatloaf for extra nutrition and flavor.
– **Storage:** Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
This **Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole** is a delicious and hearty meal that combines the best of both worlds. Its rich flavors and comforting textures make it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
INGREDIENT
- 2 C. Milk
- 30 Ritz crackers
- 1 C. BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp. Pepper
- 10.5 oz. Can of cheddar cheese soup
- 2 C. Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 C. Shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 C. Uncooked macaroni noodles
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 1 C. Ketchup
- 1 Tbsp. Onion powder
- 2 Large eggs
- 2 lbs. Ground beef
- 1 Packet of Onion soup mix
- 1 Tbsp. Garlic powder
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat the oven to 350 degrees, and grease a 9×13 baking dish well.
Stir together the BBQ sauce and ketchup in a bowl.
Add the ground beef to a separate large mixing bowl.
Crush the crackers into crumbs, and add them to the mixing bowl with the beef.
Place the onion soup mix, eggs, and half the bbq mixture into the bowl, and knead everything with your hands.
Press the meat mixture into an even layer in the bottom of the baking dish.
Place the remaining BBQ mixture over the meat, and bake for 30 minutes.
Add the macaroni noodles to boiling water, and cook until al dente. Drain well.
In a bowl, whisk together the cheddar cheese soup, onion powder, garlic powder, milk and salt and pepper to taste.
Toss the macaroni in the soup mixture, and add in 1 cup each of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
Layer the macaroni mixture over the meatloaf layer in the baking dish, top with the remaining cheeses and bake for 20 minutes longer.
Rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.