Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
A delicious twist on traditional meatloaf, combining hearty meat with comforting mashed potatoes and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Base
- 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with turkey or chicken.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup ketchup Divided
Topping
- 2 cups prepared mashed potatoes Homemade or store-bought.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can experiment with different cheeses.
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives Optional for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or an 8x8-inch dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the ketchup.
- Press the meat mixture evenly into the baking dish and spread the remaining ketchup on top.
Baking the Meatloaf Base
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink.
Topping the Casserole
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, then add the crumbled bacon.
Final Bake
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with green onions or chives if desired. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added flavor and nutrition. For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking.