Description
Meatloaf enthusiasts will adore this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole packed with hearty ingredients and bold flavors. Melted cheese, crispy bacon, and savory meat combine for a comforting meal that satisfies deep hunger and creates memorable dinner moments.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
Meat Mixture Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper
Mashed Potato and Topping Ingredients:
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 0.25 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.25 cup cooked bacon bits (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef with finely diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings until the mixture is uniformly blended.
- Gently transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, using fingertips to create an even, smooth layer that covers the entire bottom surface.
- Roast the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches a safe, fully cooked state.
- During the meatloaf’s cooking time, whip the pre-cooked mashed potatoes with sour cream, milk, and seasoning until achieving a silky, creamy consistency.
- After the initial baking, carefully spread the creamy potato layer across the entire meatloaf surface, creating a uniform blanket of potatoes.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the potato layer, allowing some bacon bits to cascade across the top for additional flavor and texture.
- Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, watching until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Extract the casserole from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped chives or green onions for a vibrant finishing touch.
- Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and the cheese maintains its melted, appetizing appearance.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains the dish’s hearty flavor profile.
- Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the meatloaf mixture to boost nutritional value and sneak extra nutrients into the meal.
- Ensure meatloaf reaches internal temperature of 160°F to guarantee food safety and prevent any potential bacterial risks during cooking.
- For gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers without compromising the texture of the meatloaf.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 464 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg