Description
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole makes dinner feel like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen. Your family will devour this hearty, comforting meal that combines classic meatloaf with all the cheesy, crispy goodness they crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 large eggs
Cheeses:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup bell peppers (chopped)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Garlic powder (to taste)
- Italian herbs (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and coat a large casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Sauté 1 medium finely chopped onion and 1 cup chopped bell peppers in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until they’re tender and translucent.
- Combine 1 lb lean ground beef, sautéed vegetables, 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs, 2 large eggs, ½ cup ketchup, and 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce in a large mixing bowl. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs to your taste.
- Gently mix the ingredients until just incorporated, taking care not to overmix the meat mixture.
- Spread half of the meat mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese over the first meat layer.
- Add the remaining meat mixture on top of the cheese layer, creating a smooth, even surface.
- Top the casserole with 1 cup combined shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Check meat mixture consistency by mixing gently to avoid tough meatloaf, keeping ingredients just combined.
- Drain excess fat after sautéing vegetables to prevent a greasy casserole texture.
- For a low-carb version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Let the casserole rest 10 minutes after baking so cheese sets and slices cleanly.
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg