Description
When was the last time you had a meal that wrapped you in pure comfort, like a warm hug after a long day? This Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Cheese combines two classics—meatloaf and casserole—into one dish that’s both hearty and irresistible. It’s a family-friendly recipe that brings together savory ground meat, creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preparing the Meat Mixture:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until just combined.
- Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the first layer.
- Adding the Toppings:
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes, followed by the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions.
- Baking and Finishing:
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the meat should be cooked through.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly mashed potatoes and high-quality cheese elevate the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing to make serving easier.
- Customize Your Cheese: Try mixing cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American