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

Description

This Meatloaf Sandwich Casserole combines classic meatloaf flavors with a cheesy, crispy garlic bread topping baked right in a casserole dish. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it layers a savory meatloaf mixture over pizza crust, topped with tangy BBQ ketchup sauce, crunchy onions, melted cheese, and golden garlic bread for a comforting crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Base

1 Pillsbury pizza crust

For the Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory and Brown Sugar BBQ sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce)

For the Meatloaf

1.5 lbs extra lean ground beef
20 Ritz crackers, crushed
1 oz onion soup mix
2 eggs

For the Topping

1 cup crispy fried onions
2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
8 slices frozen Texas toast garlic bread, thawed

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Add Pizza Crust: Unroll the Pillsbury pizza crust and lay it evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish, making sure it covers the base completely.
Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the ketchup and BBQ sauce. Stir until the sauces are well blended, then set aside to use for both the meatloaf and as a topping.
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, onion soup mix, and eggs. Pour in ½ cup of the ketchup-BBQ sauce mixture. Mix everything together thoroughly, using your hands for best results, until fully combined.
Layer the Meatloaf: Spread the meatloaf mixture evenly over the pizza crust in the baking dish, pressing gently to ensure an even layer.
Add the Sauce Layer: Pour the remaining ketchup and BBQ sauce mixture over the top of the meatloaf mixture. Spread it out evenly with a spatula or spoon.
Bake the Base and Meat Layer: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes to allow the meatloaf to cook partially.
Add Toppings: Remove the dish from the oven and evenly sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the sauce-covered meatloaf. Next, top with the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend.
Top with Garlic Bread: Place the thawed garlic bread slices on top of the cheese layer, evenly spacing them out.
Final Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, the garlic bread is toasted and golden, and the meatloaf layer reaches at least 165°F (use a thermometer to check).
Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Serve: Slice the casserole into portions, serve, and enjoy your hearty meatloaf sandwich casserole!

Notes

Check the internal temperature of the meatloaf layer; it should reach at least 165°F for safe consumption.
You can substitute the BBQ sauce with your preferred variety or homemade BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.
If desired, add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatloaf mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
To prevent the garlic bread from over-browning, cover loosely with foil during the final baking if needed.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
Calories: 490
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 1090mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0.6g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 105mg