Description
This Cheesy Loaded Beef Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish combining a savory ground beef meatloaf base topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy one-dish meal that satisfies with layers of rich flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Layer
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Mashed Potato Topping
- 2 cups (450g) mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream or cream cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (if needed to loosen the potatoes)
Toppings
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (60g) cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Press this mixture firmly into the base of the prepared casserole dish to form an even layer.
- Bake the Meatloaf Base: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake the meatloaf base for 20 minutes to cook partially.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While the meatloaf is baking, mix the mashed potatoes with sour cream or cream cheese to enhance creaminess. If the mixture is too thick, add milk gradually until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Assemble the Casserole: After the initial baking, spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf base. Then, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon evenly on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, slice into portions, and serve warm.
Notes
- If you prefer, use homemade mashed potatoes for a fresher taste.
- Sour cream or cream cheese in mashed potatoes adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before assembling the casserole.
- For extra crispy bacon topping, cook bacon until fully crisp before crumbling.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
