Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes Yield: 8 servings Diet: Vegetarian Ingredients: 1 cup ketchup 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce 2 lbs lean ground beef 30 Ritz Crackers 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix 2 eggs 3 cups macaroni noodles 2 cups milk
Here’s the *complete recipe* for your *Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole*:
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*Ingredients*: – 1 cup ketchup – 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce – 2 lbs lean ground beef – 30 Ritz Crackers, crushed – 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix – 2 eggs – 3 cups macaroni noodles – 2 cups milk – 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – 2 tablespoons butter – Salt and pepper to taste – Optional: parsley or green onions for garnish
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*Instructions*:
*Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Base* 1. Preheat your oven to *350°F (175°C)*. 2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, eggs, *½ cup ketchup*, and *½ cup barbecue sauce*. 3. Mix everything until fully combined but don’t overmix (this keeps the meatloaf tender). 4. Press the meat mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, forming an even layer. 5. Bake in the preheated oven for *30 minutes*.
*Step 2: Cook the Macaroni* 1. While the meatloaf is baking, boil the macaroni noodles according to package instructions until *al dente*. Drain and set aside.
*Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce* 1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. 2. Whisk in the milk and slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. 3. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
*Step 4: Assemble the Casserole* 1. After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven. 2. Spread the cooked macaroni evenly over the meatloaf layer. 3. Pour the cheese sauce all over the macaroni. 4. Drizzle the remaining *½ cup ketchup* and *½ cup barbecue sauce* on top of the cheese layer.
*Step 5: Final Bake* 1. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional *20-25 minutes*, or until everything is heated through and bubbly. 2. Optionally, broil for the last *2-3 minutes* to get a golden top.
*Step 6: Serve* 1. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing. 2. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. 3. Serve warm and enjoy!
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*This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole* combines two classic comfort foods into one hearty, cheesy dish perfect for family dinners!
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