Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ketchup and barbecue sauce, then set aside.
Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef. Place Ritz crackers in a large Ziploc bag and crush them using a rolling pin, then add the crumbs to the ground beef. Add the Lipton onion soup mix and eggs to the ground beef mixture. Pour in 1/2 cup of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture. Use your hands to mix all of the ingredients together until fully combined. Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture on top of the meatloaf.
Bake Meatloaf: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Cook Macaroni: While the meatloaf is baking, cook the macaroni noodles according to the package directions, then drain.
Prepare Mac and Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until no lumps remain. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the bowl and whisk well. Stir in the cooked macaroni noodles until they are coated in the liquid. Mix in 2 cups of the shredded cheese.
Assemble Casserole: Once the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven. Pour the macaroni mixture on top of the meatloaf and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese on top of the macaroni.
Bake Casserole: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted and just starting to brown.
Serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole:
Can I use different types of ground meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of ground beef.
Can I use a different brand of barbecue sauce?
Yes, you can use any brand of barbecue sauce you prefer or make your own homemade sauce.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Can I freeze leftovers?
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