Description
Cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole combines classic comfort with hearty ingredients from American home cooking. Melted cheese, crispy bacon, and savory beef create a satisfying meal you’ll crave for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 egg
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, using hands or a spatula to create a uniform, compact layer that covers the entire bottom of the dish.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature of the meat reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
- Carefully remove the dish from the oven and spread a smooth, even layer of mashed potatoes over the cooked meat surface using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the potato layer, covering the entire surface.
- Garnish with crispy crumbled bacon and thinly sliced green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven to help set and make serving easier.
Notes
- Lean ground beef works best for a less greasy result, keeping the casserole lighter and healthier.
- Customize the recipe by swapping breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour for those with dietary restrictions.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of red wine or a dash of smoked paprika to the meat mixture for depth.
- Prep ahead by assembling the casserole and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for busy weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg