BBQ Meatloaf & Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Bake

Ingredients

BBQ Meatloaf

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
• 2 ounces Lipton onion soup mix
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce (hickory & brown sugar)

Creamy Cheesy Macaroni

• 3 cups macaroni pasta (uncooked)
• 2 cups milk
• 10.5 ounces cheddar cheese soup concentrate
• 4 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella & cheddar blend)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Macaroni

1. Cook macaroni in salted water according to package directions until al dente.
2. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large bowl, whisk together:
   • Milk
   • Cheddar cheese soup
2. Stir in:
   • Cooked macaroni
   • 3 cups of the shredded cheese
3. Mix until evenly coated and creamy.
4. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Meatloaf

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
   • Ground beef
   • Crushed Ritz crackers
   • Onion soup mix
   • Eggs
   • Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
3. Mix gently until just combined (don’t overmix).

Step 4: Shape & Glaze

1. Shape meat mixture into a loaf and place in a greased baking dish or loaf pan.
2. In a small bowl, mix:
   • Ketchup
   • BBQ sauce
3. Spread half of the sauce over the meatloaf.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake

1. Pour macaroni mixture into a greased baking dish.
2. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup shredded cheese on top.
3. Place both dishes in the oven.

Bake:

• Meatloaf: 45–55 minutes, until internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C)
• Mac & Cheese: 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden

Brush remaining BBQ sauce over meatloaf during the last 10 minutes.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

• Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing.
• Serve alongside creamy mac and cheese.

Pro Tips

• Ritz crackers keep the meatloaf extra moist
• Don’t overbake the mac—creaminess is key
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra BBQ flavor
• Leftovers reheat beautifully the next day

Serving Suggestions

• Coleslaw or green beans
• Corn on the cob
• Buttered rolls or garlic bread

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Meatloaf & Cheesy Macaroni Bake is rich, filling, and loaded with nostalgic flavor. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table—and keeps them coming back for seconds.