1-First Step: Preheat and prepare the sauce. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This gives the oven time to reach the right temperature while you mix everything else together. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup and hickory and brown sugar barbecue sauce. Stir until smooth and set it aside. This sauce will be used in two stages, so keep it close by.

2-Second Step: Mix the meatloaf base. In a large mixing bowl, add the 2 pounds of lean ground beef, crushed crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, and half of the sauce mixture. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to combine everything until just mixed. Try not to overwork the meat, since that can make the meatloaf dense. The mixture should hold together easily without feeling dry.

3-Third Step: Shape and bake the meat layer. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, then press the meat mixture evenly into the dish. Smooth the top so it bakes in a nice even layer. Spoon the remaining sauce over the top and spread it out lightly. Bake for 30 minutes. During this first bake, the meat starts to set, and the sauce forms a rich, glossy top.

4-Fourth Step: Cook the macaroni. While the meatloaf bakes, cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente so the pasta keeps some bite after baking. Drain the noodles well so extra water does not thin out the sauce. This is especially important for a thick and creamy mac and cheese meatloaf casserole.

5-Fifth Step: Make the cheesy pasta mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, condensed cheddar cheese soup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and well blended. Stir in the cooked macaroni noodles, then add 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend. Mix until the noodles are coated and the cheese begins to melt into the sauce.

6-Sixth Step: Add the macaroni and cheese layer. Carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven after the first 30 minutes. Spoon the macaroni mixture evenly over the top of the meat layer. Spread it gently so it covers the surface without pressing down too hard. Then sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese over the top. This gives you that golden, gooey finish that makes cheese meatloaf so irresistible.

7-Final Step: Finish baking and serve. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden on top. If you like a little extra browning, let it bake a minute or two longer while watching closely. Once done, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps it slice more neatly and keeps the layers together.