Description
Cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table with a hearty blend of ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon that makes weeknight meals feel special. Grab your fork and get ready to savor each delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing classic that turns simple ingredients into something memorable.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb ground beef
Starch and Binding:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Flavor and Moisture Enhancers:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Green onions or chives
Instructions
- Thoroughly combine 1 lb ground beef with ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, ¼ cup milk, ¼ cup chopped onion, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and ¼ cup ketchup in a mixing bowl.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, pressing it firmly and evenly across the bottom.
- Spread the remaining ¼ cup ketchup directly over the meat’s surface.
- Slide the dish into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 25 minutes until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Remove the dish and carefully spread 2 cups of mashed potatoes in an even layer across the cooked meatloaf.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the potato layer.
- Return the casserole to the 375°F oven for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Optional: Activate the broiler for 2 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy cheese topping.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or chives before serving.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef for a less greasy result and better texture.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing easier.
- For a low-carb version, replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
- Swap regular mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash for a lighter, lower-carb alternative that still delivers incredible flavor and comfort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-42 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 495 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg