Description
Hearty cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole combines classic comfort with modern flavor twists. Ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners. Family gatherings become memorable when you bring this crowd-pleasing dish to the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 large eggs
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Prepare a baking dish and preheat the oven to 375F (190C) to ensure even cooking.
- Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blending the ingredients to create a uniform mixture.
- Gently press the meat mixture into the baking dish, ensuring an even layer that will cook consistently.
- Roast the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and checking that the internal temperature reaches 160F.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully spread a smooth layer of creamy mashed potatoes across the entire surface.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potato layer, covering completely.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbling topping.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps set the layers and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Perfectly blend meat mixture by gently mixing ingredients to avoid tough, dense texture.
- Consider substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for lighter, diet-friendly version.
- Enhance flavor profile by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the meat mixture for depth and complexity.
- Prevent dry meatloaf by using a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160F, maintaining moisture and food safety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg