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Cheesy Meatloaf Bake

Featured in: Comfort Food Favorites

This homey baked dish mixes tender, seasoned meatloaf with creamy macaroni and cheese. The textures complement each other while rich flavors develop as it bakes. Flexible to make ahead, it’s easily adaptable with a simple cheese swap. The result is a comforting creation that elevates these two crowd-pleasers into a satisfying union.
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punchofyummy
Updated on Sat, 22 Mar 2025 21:00:09 GMT
Baked macaroni and cheese with seasoned beef, topped with a crispy golden crust and parsley for garnish. Pin it
Baked macaroni and cheese with seasoned beef, topped with a crispy golden crust and parsley for garnish. | pinchofyummy.com

I whipped up this Cheesy Meatloaf Mac Bake one night when I couldn't pick between two family favorites. The real magic happens when smooth, creamy mac and cheese meets juicy, flavorful meatloaf. I swear, this combo creates the ultimate comfort dinner that'll have everyone at your table asking for more.

The Birth of My Favorite Dish

Through countless potlucks and family dinners, I stumbled onto something amazing by putting these classics together. I still get excited watching how the creamy pasta wraps around the hearty meatloaf. My little ones always grab for the crunchy cheese edges while my hubby can't resist claiming the middle portion.

My Must-Have Ingredients

  • 85/15 Ground Beef: This mix gives you just the right amount of juice and flavor
  • Crushed Ritz: They're my hidden trick for making meatloaf that melts in your mouth
  • Onion Soup Mix: This cuts down your prep and packs in tons of taste
  • Elbow Pasta: These form the foundation of our gooey cheese layer
  • Condensed Cheddar Soup: Makes the mac ultra creamy with zero hassle
  • Cheese Blend: Get that amazing stretch with mixed shredded mozzarella and cheddar
  • Sweet Topping Mix: My combo of ketchup and BBQ sauce makes everyone come back for more
  • Dairy and Spices: These tie everything together into pure comfort food

Cooking With Me

Create Your Meat Foundation
Combine beef with smashed crackers, dry soup mix, beaten eggs and some of my sweet sauce. Pack it down in your dish and paint the rest of the sauce on top.
First Baking Round
Get it going at 350°F for half an hour while we tackle the cheese pasta mixture.
Mac Magic
Boil those elbows until they've got some bite left. Mix them with my super easy cheese sauce - just soup, milk and a big handful of shredded goodness.
Building Your Masterpiece
Spread that amazing mac layer over your partly-cooked meatloaf and go wild with more cheese on top.
Finishing Touch
Back to the oven for 20 minutes until everything's hot and bubbly with a golden top. Let it sit before you cut in.
A steaming portion of cheesy macaroni baked over seasoned ground beef with golden crust on top. Pin it
A steaming portion of cheesy macaroni baked over seasoned ground beef with golden crust on top. | pinchofyummy.com

My Foolproof Secrets

I always use my kitchen scale for spot-on results every time. Don't cook your pasta all the way - it'll finish in the oven. Skip the bagged cheese and grate your own from blocks - it melts way better. Don't rush cutting into it - let the casserole rest so you get those perfect squares.

Make It Your Own

  • Try Other Proteins: Ground turkey makes a lighter version that's still super tasty
  • Plant-Based Option: Swap in well-seasoned lentils for a meat-free take
  • Play With Cheeses: Sometimes I throw in some Gruyère when I want to fancy things up
  • New Flavor Profile: My homemade honey mustard topping takes this in a whole new direction

Storing Leftovers

Stick any extra portions in a sealed container and they'll stay good for 3 days in your fridge. I often freeze single servings for crazy weeknights. Just warm them up at 350°F in your oven or zap them in the microwave when you're short on time.

Round Out Your Dinner

Pair this with a basic green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to balance all that richness. My family goes crazy for some garlic roasted broccoli alongside it. Sometimes I throw together a quick slaw that adds just the right crisp texture with each bite.

Why Everyone Loves It

Whenever I make this dish, it takes me back to dinners at my grandma's table but with my own little twist. The layers look so pretty when you cut into them, and getting that first bite with creamy cheese pasta and savory meat together is total food happiness.

Feeding Your People

This has become what I'm known for at neighborhood get-togethers and family events. It's easy to transport and stays hot for ages. I never get tired of seeing folks' expressions when they first try it, or watching them sneak back to the table for seconds.

A hearty scoop of layered pasta and beef casserole showing distinct creamy and meaty layers with herb garnish. Pin it
A hearty scoop of layered pasta and beef casserole showing distinct creamy and meaty layers with herb garnish. | pinchofyummy.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this in advance?
Sure, you can make it the day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake a little longer to heat it all the way through.
→ Why is fresh shredded cheese better?
Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother because store-bought shreds often have coatings that can mess up the texture.
→ Can I replace the ground beef?
Definitely. Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, though the taste and consistency may change a little.
→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Or freeze single portions for up to three months.
→ What works well as a side?
Pair it with a crisp salad or some steamed veggies to balance the richness. Crusty bread or garlic bread also complements it.

Cheesy Meatloaf Bake

Layers of creamy mac and cheese meet flavorful meatloaf in this baked dish. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a hearty family meal.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Amelia


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 casserole)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 cup tomato ketchup.
02 1 cup of Hickory & Brown Sugar sauce from Sweet Baby Ray's.
03 2 pounds of lean ground beef.
04 30 crushed Ritz crackers.
05 2-ounce packet of Lipton’s onion soup mix.
06 2 large eggs.
07 3 cups of dry elbow pasta.
08 2 cups whole milk.
09 10.5 ounces of canned cheddar cheese soup.
10 1 tsp of table salt.
11 1 tsp of black pepper.
12 1 tbsp of garlic powder.
13 1 tbsp of onion powder.
14 4 cups of mozzarella and cheddar mixed cheese, shredded.

Instructions

Step 01

Set the oven to 350°F, then mix the barbecue sauce and ketchup together.

Step 02

Stir together the ground beef, onion mix, crushed crackers, eggs, and half of your ketchup blend. Press the mix into your pan or baking dish.

Step 03

Pour the leftover ketchup and BBQ mix over the meatloaf and bake it for about 30 minutes.

Step 04

Boil macaroni until soft, then mix with the cheese sauce, milk, spices, and 2 cups of shredded cheese.

Step 05

Spread the cheesy pasta over the baked meatloaf, then toss the remaining shredded cheese on top.

Step 06

Bake again for another 17-20 minutes until everything's hot and the cheese is bubbling.

Notes

  1. Easily prepped earlier and refrigerated.
  2. Freshly shredded cheese melts best.
  3. Freezes and reheats well.

Tools You'll Need

  • A pan or casserole dish for baking.
  • Large pot to boil noodles.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Eggs included.
  • Made with wheat products.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 549
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 35 g