Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that's packed with flavor and easy to prepare? Look no further than this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe! Combining juicy ground beef and pork with creamy mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, and bacon, this dish takes the classic meatloaf to the next level. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just want something extra satisfying for dinner, this casserole will become a family favorite. Read on to learn how to make this mouth-watering dish, complete with tips, variations, and frequently asked questions!
What is a Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
A Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a delicious combination of traditional meatloaf ingredients—ground meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings—topped with layers of mashed potatoes, cheese, and crispy bacon. This all-in-one dish takes the concept of a casserole and fuses it with the beloved comfort food, meatloaf, giving you a meal that is filling, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family gatherings. It's basically meatloaf, but with a cheesy, mashed potato topping that's baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients List for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
To make this tasty casserole, you'll need a mixture of fresh, savory ingredients. Here's the complete list:
Meatloaf Base
- 1 pound ground beef – The main protein for the dish, giving it a hearty texture.
- ½ pound ground pork – Adds richness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – Provides a slight crunch and aromatic sweetness.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meat together, ensuring the meatloaf holds its shape.
- ½ cup milk – Keeps the meat mixture moist and tender.
- 1 large egg – A binding agent that helps hold the meatloaf together.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds a tangy depth of flavor.
- 2 teaspoons salt – Enhances the overall taste of the meatloaf.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper – Gives the dish a touch of spice.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the meat mixture.
Topping Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes – A layer of creamy, comforting mashed potatoes that brings the casserole together.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melts on top for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon – Crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory element to the dish.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions – Adds color, texture, and a fresh onion flavor to the topping.
Substitutions and Variations
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients. Here are a few substitutions and variations to consider:
- Meat Substitutions: Swap out the ground beef or pork for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this casserole. You could also use Italian sausage for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground meat with a meatless substitute like lentils or plant-based ground meat. The same seasonings and toppings work great for a vegetarian version!
- Cheese Variations: You can substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a bit of spice.
- Mashed Potatoes: Use garlic mashed potatoes for extra flavor, or try sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
- Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, mix in some cooked vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach to the meatloaf base.
- Sauce Addition: Drizzle barbecue sauce or ketchup over the top of the mashed potatoes before adding the cheese for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's dive into the step-by-step instructions for creating this mouth-watering Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole will cook evenly once you assemble it.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands to gently mix everything until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the mixture as this can make the meatloaf tough.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture into a lightly greased baking dish, pressing it into an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatloaf is nearly cooked through.
Step 4: Add the Mashed Potatoes
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare your mashed potatoes (if you haven't already). Once the meatloaf is mostly cooked, remove it from the oven and carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the top in an even layer.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bacon
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes, followed by the cooked and crumbled bacon. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish with Green Onions
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh, flavorful finish.
How to Cook Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the meatloaf mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Shape the meatloaf: Press the meat mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake the meatloaf: Bake for 25-30 minutes until nearly cooked through.
- Top with mashed potatoes: Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf.
- Add cheese and bacon: Sprinkle cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top.
- Finish baking: Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and browns slightly.
- Garnish: Finish with green onions and serve hot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the meat: Overmixing the ground meat can make the meatloaf dense and tough. Mix the ingredients until just combined for a tender result.
- Skipping the resting time: Letting the meatloaf rest after baking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist casserole.
- Using undercooked mashed potatoes: Make sure the mashed potatoes are fully cooked and seasoned before spreading them over the meatloaf to avoid a bland topping.
- Overcrowding the baking dish: Use the right-sized dish to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding may cause the casserole to cook unevenly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving this cheesy meatloaf casserole, presentation matters! Here are a few tips to make the dish look as great as it tastes.
How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
- Portion control: Slice the casserole into squares or rectangles for even serving sizes. Each slice will feature layers of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, cheese, and bacon.
- Serve with sides: This dish pairs perfectly with a light salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans to balance out the richness of the casserole.
Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
- Add garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Individual servings: Instead of baking in one large dish, you can create mini meatloaf casseroles in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make-ahead option: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Assemble the dish, but hold off on baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, refrigerate, and then bake when ready to serve. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
2. Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any melting cheese you prefer, like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack.
3. What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs well with a light side salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple fruit salad to balance out the richness.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is a true comfort food delight that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Combining a flavorful meatloaf base with creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, this casserole is perfect for any occasion. With easy-to-follow steps, helpful tips, and plenty of options for customization, you’ll have no problem making this dish a regular part of your dinner rotation. So go ahead, give it a try—you won’t regret it!
PrintCheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
This cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole combines ground beef and pork with mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, bacon, and seasonings for a delicious, hearty family meal. A flavorful twist on classic meatloaf, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Mix well and press the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about ⅙th of the recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
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