Description
Mouthwatering cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole brings hearty comfort to dinner tables across American kitchens. Home cooks discover a satisfying meal packed with savory beef, melted cheese, and rich seasonings you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 4 ounces (113 grams) bacon
- 2 large eggs
Starches and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coat a casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Combine ground beef with bread crumbs, eggs, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared dish, creating an even, smooth layer that fills the entire bottom of the casserole.
- Roast the meatloaf base for 25 minutes, allowing the meat to cook and develop a rich, caramelized foundation.
- During baking, whip mashed potatoes with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth, creating a luxurious topping.
- Extract the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven and carefully spread the prepared mashed potatoes across the surface in an even layer.
- Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits over the potato layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, bubbly crust.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then slice and serve while warm for maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
- Swap traditional bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers into the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor complexity.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties such as Gruyère or pepper jack to customize the dish’s taste profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg