Description
This Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for cozy nights. It features a juicy ground beef meatloaf base layered with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, baked to perfection and garnished with fresh green onions for a burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean for juiciness)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Regular or gluten-free)
- 1 large Egg (At room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Milk (Almond milk or chicken broth can be used)
- 1 medium Onion (Chopped, can use shallots or leeks)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Use fresh garlic for better flavor)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce (Soy sauce as a substitute)
- 1/2 cup Ketchup (Try homemade or low-sugar)
Toppings
- 2 cups Mashed Potatoes (Homemade is preferable)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (Can substitute with mozzarella or pepper jack)
- 4 slices Bacon (Crispy turkey bacon as a lighter option)
- 2 tbsp Green Onions or Chives (Optional garnish for freshness)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the meatloaf casserole.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the ketchup. Mix gently ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated without overmixing.
- Shape and Start Baking: Transfer the meatloaf mixture into a greased baking dish. Shape it into an even layer and spread the remaining ketchup evenly on top. Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes to partially cook the meat base.
- Add Toppings: Remove the baking dish from the oven and spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf layer. Then sprinkle the melted cheddar cheese evenly across the top, followed by crumbled crispy bacon slices.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden, ensuring the casserole is heated through and toppings are nicely melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven, garnish with chopped green onions or chives for freshness, allow to cool slightly, and serve your delicious cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole.
Notes
- Using 80% lean ground beef ensures juiciness in the meatloaf.
- You can substitute dairy milk with almond milk or chicken broth for different flavors or dietary needs.
- Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for enhanced flavor.
- Low-sugar or homemade ketchup reduces added sugars.
- For a lighter option, substitute bacon with turkey bacon or omit entirely.
- Making mashed potatoes from scratch will elevate the casserole’s taste and texture.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and make slicing easier.
