Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
The whole point of a casserole is that it’s a whole meal in one, right? One casserole, where everything bakes together in under an hour, and then that’s it, you’re done! While we love a traditional meatloaf, we thought we would cut a few corners and make a very classic meal but in an untraditional way. Cheesy mashed potato and meatloaf casserole!
Just as you would make your standard meatloaf or meatballs, you’ll mix together a ground beef, onion, breadcrumb mixture with egg, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce – all the classic meatloaf flavors – and then you’ll get leftover (or store-bought, if you’re in a pinch) mashed potatoes that get spread on the beef mixture. Top it off with cheese and pop it in the oven and you’ve got a full meal that’ll have your family raving and asking for more…at least that’s how it was with our family….
This dish tastes incredible, but maybe the thing we love most about it is that there’s no having to deal with inverting a meatloaf out of a piping hot loaf pan. We don’t know how we manage to forget this every time, but heed our advice: forget the loaf pan when you do make a traditional meatloaf – even better, skip it entirely and make this loaded meatloaf casserole instead – you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy all the flavors of a traditional meatloaf without the hassle of using a loaf pan. Plus, it’s topped with cheesy mashed potatoes and bacon, making it an instant family favorite!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- 8-inch square baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
Ingredients
- 3 cups leftover (garlic) mashed potatoes
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup white onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/3 cup bacon (cooked and crumbled) or bacon bits
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400º F.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce using two forks or your hands.
- Season generously with salt and pepper, then work in breadcrumbs and egg.
- Transfer ground beef to an 8-inch square baking dish and press it into an even layer.
- Spread mashed potatoes on top of ground beef mixture, then top with cheddar cheese and bacon bits.
- Cover baking dish with aluminum foil, then place in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove aluminum foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for Success
For best results, make sure the mashed potatoes are at room temperature before spreading them over the beef mixture. This helps them spread more easily and bake evenly.
Additional Tips and Variations
Feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots into the meatloaf mixture for added nutrition. You can also use different types of cheese or even switch out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each serving of this casserole is packed with protein from the beef and cheese, while the potatoes add a satisfying dose of carbohydrates. The bacon bits provide a crispy texture and additional flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced dinner.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It’s simple, hearty, and sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!