Can I make this recipe without the pizza crust on the bottom?

Absolutely! The pizza crust adds structure and a sandwich-like quality, but you can omit it for a more traditional meatloaf casserole. Simply start with the meat mixture directly in the greased baking dish and proceed with the recipe as written.

What if I don't have Ritz crackers for the meatloaf mixture?

No problem! You can substitute any buttery crackers, plain breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile, but all work well as binders for the meat mixture.

Can I use homemade garlic bread instead of frozen Texas toast?

Definitely! If you prefer making your own garlic bread, prepare it as usual but don't toast it completely. Add it to the casserole partially baked so it can finish browning in the oven without becoming too dark.

How can I tell when the meatloaf is fully cooked without a thermometer?

If you don't have a meat thermometer, check that the meatloaf portion looks firm and has pulled away slightly from the sides of the dish. You can also insert a knife into the center—if it comes out hot to the touch, the meatloaf is likely done. However, a thermometer is the most reliable method for ensuring food safety.

Meatloaf Sandwich Casserole Recipe

Name: Meatloaf Sandwich Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Pillsbury pizza crust; 1 cup ketchup; 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory and Brown Sugar BBQ sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce); 1.5 lbs extra lean ground beef; 20 Ritz crackers, crushed; 1 oz onion soup mix; 2 eggs; 1 cup crispy fried onions; 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend; 8 slices frozen Texas toast garlic bread, thawed

This Meatloaf Sandwich Casserole transforms the classic comfort food into an incredible one-dish meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. With a pizza crust base, juicy seasoned meatloaf middle, and crispy garlic bread topping, it’s the ultimate comfort food mash-up. Perfect for family dinners, this crowd-pleaser comes together easily and delivers big on flavor with every hearty bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Two Classics in One: Combines the hearty satisfaction of homemade meatloaf with the indulgence of a toasted sandwich—no need to choose between favorites!
Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole consistently earns rave reviews from both kids and adults. The familiar flavors come together in a fun new way that everyone appreciates.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for busy weeknights since you can prep components or the entire dish ahead of time and simply bake when needed.
Complete Meal: With protein, bread, and plenty of flavor in one dish, you don’t need much else to round out dinner—maybe just a simple side salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pillsbury pizza crust: Forms the foundation of our casserole, creating a soft but sturdy base that holds everything together.
Ketchup: Provides classic meatloaf flavor and tanginess that balances the richness of the meat.
Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory and Brown Sugar BBQ sauce: Adds smokiness and subtle sweetness that elevates this dish beyond ordinary meatloaf.
Extra lean ground beef: The star protein—using lean beef ensures flavor without excess grease.
Ritz crackers: These buttery crackers work as a binder while adding subtle richness that plain breadcrumbs just can’t match.
Onion soup mix: A flavor powerhouse that infuses the meat with savory depth in seconds.
Eggs: Help bind everything together so your meatloaf holds its shape.
Crispy fried onions: Create an amazing textural contrast and boost the flavor profile with their savory crunch.
Shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend: Forms a gooey, melty layer that binds the meatloaf to the garlic bread topping.
Texas toast garlic bread: Transforms into a golden, buttery crown that takes this casserole over the top.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Family-Friendly Options

Turkey Twist: Substitute ground turkey for beef to create a lighter version with equally delicious results.
Hidden Veggies: Sneak in finely diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to add nutrition without compromising on flavor.
Spice it Up: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for adults who prefer some heat.

Dietary Adaptations

Gluten-Free Version: Replace the pizza crust with a gluten-free alternative, use gluten-free crackers, and top with gluten-free garlic bread.
Lower Carb Option: Skip the bottom crust entirely and double down on the meatloaf portion for a bread-free base.

How to Make Meatloaf Sandwich Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Unroll the pizza crust and gently press it into the bottom of the dish, creating an even layer.

Step 2: Create Your Sauce

In a bowl, combine the ketchup and BBQ sauce, stirring until completely blended. This tangy-sweet mixture will infuse flavor throughout the entire casserole.

Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, onion soup mix, and eggs. Add ½ cup of your prepared sauce mixture and mix thoroughly. Don’t be afraid to use your hands here—they’re your best tools for ensuring everything is evenly incorporated without overmixing.

Step 4: Layer Your Casserole

Spread the meatloaf mixture in an even layer directly onto the pizza dough. Pour the remaining sauce mixture over the top, making sure to spread it to the edges for maximum flavor coverage.

Step 5: First Bake

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This initial cooking period allows the meatloaf to become firm and develop flavor.

Step 6: Add the Toppings

After the first bake, remove the casserole and layer on the crispy fried onions, followed by the shredded cheese blend. Finally, arrange the thawed Texas toast garlic bread slices on top, creating a complete sandwich effect.

Step 7: Final Bake

Return the casserole to the oven for another 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully melted and the garlic bread has turned golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf layer has reached at least 165°F for food safety.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the finished casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers set and makes for cleaner, more defined servings.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature Matters: Let the Texas toast thaw completely before adding it to the casserole for more even browning.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Those few minutes of resting time after baking are crucial—they allow the casserole to set, making it much easier to cut into neat portions.
Perfect Meat Mixture: When combining your meatloaf ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough texture.
Sauce Strategy: Reserve a little extra sauce mixture to serve on the side for those who enjoy extra sauciness with their meatloaf.

How to Serve

This hearty casserole stands beautifully on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal:

Simple Sides

Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the casserole. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli also make excellent vegetable companions.

Family-Style Presentation

Serve directly from the baking dish for casual family dinners, bringing the entire casserole to the table for everyone to admire before diving in.

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a touch of color and freshness to each serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing in Advance

You can assemble the entire casserole up to the first baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and add an extra 10 minutes to the initial baking time.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making next-day portions particularly delicious.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully after cooking. Cut into individual portions, wrap each in foil, and store in freezer bags for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. For a crisper topping, place in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without the pizza crust on the bottom?

Absolutely! The pizza crust adds structure and a sandwich-like quality, but you can omit it for a more traditional meatloaf casserole. Simply start with the meat mixture directly in the greased baking dish and proceed with the recipe as written.
What if I don’t have Ritz crackers for the meatloaf mixture?

No problem! You can substitute any buttery crackers, plain breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile, but all work well as binders for the meat mixture.
Can I use homemade garlic bread instead of frozen Texas toast?

Definitely! If you prefer making your own garlic bread, prepare it as usual but don’t toast it completely. Add it to the casserole partially baked so it can finish browning in the oven without becoming too dark.
How can I tell when the meatloaf is fully cooked without a thermometer?

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, check that the meatloaf portion looks firm and has pulled away slightly from the sides of the dish. You can also insert a knife into the center—if it comes out hot to the touch, the meatloaf is likely done. However, a thermometer is the most reliable method for ensuring food safety.

Final Thoughts

This Meatloaf Sandwich Casserole bridges the gap between classic comfort food and creative weeknight dinner solution. With its layers of flavors and textures—from the soft pizza crust to the savory meatloaf, gooey cheese, and crispy garlic bread topping—it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Give yourself the gift of this easy, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate!