How do I prevent dry mac and cheese in the casserole?

To avoid a dry mac and cheese layer, make sure to use enough liquid when preparing your cheese sauce. A mix of whole milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup works best, as it creates a creamy consistency that soaks into the pasta as it bakes. Covering your mac and cheese meatloaf casserole tightly with foil during the first half of baking also traps moisture and ensures even cooking. And remember, don’t skimp on shredded cheese!

Can I freeze mac and cheese meatloaf casserole?

Yes, this casserole is very freezer-friendly. You can freeze it unbaked or after it’s been cooked and cooled. To freeze before baking, assemble the entire mac and cheese meatloaf casserole , cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and add 10–15 minutes to the bake time. For leftovers, portion into airtight containers and reheat gently to preserve texture.

What cheese is best for mac and cheese meatloaf casserole?

The ideal cheese combo for a creamy and flavorful mac and cheese layer is a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella. Cheddar provides bold flavor, while mozzarella delivers that stretchy, melty texture we all crave. For extra depth, try adding smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or even cream cheese into your sauce. Avoid using only pre-shredded cheese as it often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting quality. Real block cheese makes a huge difference in your mac and cheese meatloaf casserole .

Is mac and cheese meatloaf casserole good for meal prep?

Yes, mac and cheese meatloaf casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead, refrigerate overnight, or freeze it for later. This cheesy meatloaf casserole reheats well, making it ideal for quick, filling weeknight dinners. Its creamy mac and cheese layer and hearty meatloaf base stay flavorful all week.

Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole – Easy in 1 Hr 25 Min

Name: Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef (85/15 lean); 1 packet onion soup mix; 30 crushed Ritz crackers; 2 large eggs; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni; 2 cups whole milk; 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup; 4 cups shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend, divided; 1 cup ketchup; 1 cup BBQ sauce

Description

This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food fusion—juicy meatloaf topped with creamy mac and cheese, all baked to golden perfection in one dish. It’s a cheesy, hearty dinner the whole family will devour, perfect for cozy weeknights or meal prepping ahead of time.

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef (85/15 lean)
1 packet onion soup mix
30 crushed Ritz crackers
2 large eggs
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups whole milk
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
4 cups shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend, divided
1 cup ketchup
1 cup BBQ sauce

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Meatloaf Base: Mix ground beef, onion soup mix, crackers, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Press evenly into the bottom of the dish.
Layer the Pasta: Sprinkle uncooked macaroni over the meatloaf layer evenly.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk milk with cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Pour over pasta.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese over the pasta layer.
Cover and Bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50 minutes.
Top and Finish: Remove foil, spread ketchup and BBQ sauce glaze on top. Add remaining 2 cups of cheese and bake uncovered for 20 more minutes.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

To prevent dryness, ensure all pasta is coated with sauce and cover tightly when baking. For extra flavor, use smoked gouda in the cheese blend. This mac and cheese meatloaf casserole can be assembled ahead and baked the next day for easy meal prep.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American