Description

This Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cozy nights. It combines a juicy ground beef meatloaf base with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, topped off with a tangy ketchup glaze and fresh green onions for a burst of flavor. Baked to perfection, it’s an easy one-dish meal that satisfies your cheesy meat cravings with a delightful texture contrast.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Mixture

1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean for juiciness)
1 cup Breadcrumbs (Regular or gluten-free)
1 large Egg (At room temperature)
1/2 cup Milk (Almond milk or chicken broth can be used)
1 medium Onion (Chopped, can use shallots or leeks)
1 tsp Garlic Powder (Use fresh garlic for better flavor)
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce (Soy sauce as a substitute)
1/2 cup Ketchup (Try homemade or low-sugar, divided)

Topping

2 cups Mashed Potatoes (Homemade is preferable)
1 cup Cheddar Cheese (Can substitute with mozzarella or pepper jack)
4 slices Bacon (Crispy turkey bacon as a lighter option)
2 tbsp Green Onions or Chives (Optional garnish for freshness)

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Instructions

Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather and prepare all ingredients to ensure smooth assembly.
Mix Meatloaf: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the ketchup. Mix gently until just combined to avoid a dense meatloaf.
Shape and Bake Base: Transfer the meatloaf mixture into a greased baking dish. Shape it into an even layer and spread the remaining ketchup evenly on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, allowing the meat to cook through and the ketchup to caramelize slightly.
Add Toppings: Remove the baking dish from the oven and evenly spread the creamy mashed potatoes over the cooked meatloaf layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, then crumble crispy bacon slices over the cheese.
Bake Toppings: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown slightly.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions or chives for a fresh, vibrant finish. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to set the layers and enhance flavors.

Notes

For a lighter option, substitute turkey bacon and use almond milk instead of regular milk.
Using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder can elevate the flavor profile.
Homemade mashed potatoes provide better texture and flavor but store-bought will also work.
Make sure not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.