Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
Ingredients:
Meatloaf Base:
2 lbs ground beef 85/15 lean
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers about 1 sleeve
1 packet onion soup mix dry mix
2 large eggs lightly beaten
Glaze Sauce:
1 cup ketchup divided use
1 cup BBQ sauce divided use
Mac and Cheese ToppingCheese
3 cups uncooked macaroni elbow pasta
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp flour
2 1/2 cups milk
3 cups cheddar cheese shredded, divided
Method:
Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup and BBQ sauce until combined.
Make Meatloaf: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, crushed crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, and ½ cup of the prepared sauce mixture. Use your hands to mix until just combined (do not overmix). Press evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.
Bake Meatloaf: Spread the remaining sauce mixture over the top of the raw meatloaf layer. Bake for 30 minutes.
Make Mac & Cheese: While meat bakes, cook macaroni according to package directions; drain. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of cheese until melted. Stir in cooked pasta.Cheese
Assemble: Remove meatloaf from oven. Carefully drain excess grease if necessary. Pour the mac and cheese evenly over the meatloaf. Top with remaining 1 cup of cheese.
Finish: Bake for another 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
