Description
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining seasoned ground beef with a creamy mashed potato topping and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and delivers rich, satisfying flavors all baked to perfection in one casserole dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for baking the casserole.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste to create the meatloaf mixture.
- Form Meatloaf Layer: Press the meat mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the base layer of the casserole.
- Bake Meatloaf: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked through.
- Add Mashed Potato Topping: Carefully spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the cooked meatloaf layer, covering it evenly.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar cheese over the layer of mashed potatoes.
- Bake Again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired for added freshness and color.
Notes
- Using prepared mashed potatoes saves time; you can use homemade or store-bought.
- If desired, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or dried herbs to the meat mixture.
- Make sure to grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it set and makes slicing easier.
