Description
Hearty Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables with its irresistible combination of ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon. Comfort meets indulgence in this classic dish that promises to satisfy hungry families with its rich, savory profile.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 0.5 pound (1/2 lb) ground pork
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
Toppings and Garnish:
- 0.5 cup (1/2 cup) cooked, crumbled bacon
- 0.25 cup (1/4 cup) chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef, ground pork, diced onions, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning, and garlic powder until ingredients are just incorporated.
- Gently transfer and evenly distribute the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
- Carefully spread a smooth, consistent layer of mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese across the potato surface, creating a rich, even coating.
- Sprinkle crispy crumbled bacon pieces and finely chopped green onions over the cheese layer for added texture and flavor.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the cheese melts completely and turns golden, and the meat reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to settle and facilitate easier serving.
- Slice into hearty portions and serve immediately while warm, enjoying the layers of savory meat, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese.
Notes
- Choose lean ground meats like 90/10 beef and turkey to reduce fat content while maintaining flavor and juiciness.
- Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent tough, dense texture; gently combine ingredients until just incorporated.
- Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for celiac-friendly version.
- Swap bacon with turkey bacon or plant-based bacon bits to create lighter, lower-sodium option for health-conscious individuals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg