There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that combines the heartiness of meatloaf with the cheesy goodness of a casserole. Imagine your family gathered around the dinner table, diving into a Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole, their eyes lighting up with joy as they take their first bite. chicken mashed potato bowls This dish doesn’t just fill bellies; it fills hearts.
Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and the aroma of savory meat and melted cheese fills your home like a warm hug. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and comfort food that brings back memories of family dinners and laughter echoing through the house. brisket mac and cheese Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a gathering with friends, this casserole is about to become your new favorite.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] The Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free. Its rich flavor profile combines savory meat and melty cheese for an irresistible taste. Visually, it’s stunning with layers of hearty ingredients bubbling in cheese. Versatile enough for leftovers or meal prep, everyone will enjoy this dish any day of the week. [/info_box]
Every time I make this casserole, my friends erupt in cheers like I’ve just brought home the championship trophy from the annual cook-off!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best for that meaty flavor without excess grease.
Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs for extra texture; they help bind everything together.
Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent for best results.
Eggs: These bind the mixture together; use large eggs for optimal consistency.
Shredded Cheese: Choose your favorite cheese—cheddar adds great flavor while mozzarella gives gooeyness.
Ketchup: Adds moisture and flavor; opt for a gourmet brand if you want to impress!
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs create a delightful taste explosion in every bite.
Bell Peppers: Chopped bell peppers add color and crunch; feel free to mix colors for visual appeal.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide fresh brightness to finish off the casserole beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking throughout your casserole.
Sauté Onion and Peppers: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions and bell peppers until softened and fragrant—about 5 minutes will do! bourbon BBQ meatball subs.
Mix Your Meatloaf Base: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, sautéed veggies, eggs, ketchup, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix until well combined but don’t overwork it!
Add Cheese Layers: Fold in half of your shredded cheese into the meat mixture for that gooey surprise in every bite. Save the rest for topping.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon your meat mixture into a greased casserole dish. Spread evenly with a spatula. Top generously with remaining shredded cheese because more cheese equals more happiness!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through (internal temperature should be 160°F/70°C) and cheese is bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving so no one burns their mouth on molten cheese.
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is not just food; it’s an experience packed with flavors that will have you dreaming about leftovers all week long! Enjoy every cheesy bite! For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Delight recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a comfort dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. This casserole combines classic meatloaf flavors with gooey cheese, ensuring everyone at the table leaves satisfied. The aroma wafting from the oven will make your neighbors jealous. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Brown the meat first for rich flavor, then layer it with cheese and veggies in a baking dish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] When mixing ingredients, avoid overworking the meat to keep it tender. Ensure even cooking by spreading layers evenly. If using cheese, try a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooeyness. [/info_box]
Sharing this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole recipe became my family’s go-to dish on chilly Sundays, creating memories filled with laughter and warmth around the dinner table. savory bacon cheeseburger casserole.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe.
What type of cheese is best for this casserole?
A combination of cheddar and mozzarella provides great flavor and meltiness!
How do I know when my casserole is done cooking?
Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption; it should be bubbling nicely too!
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the classic flavors of meatloaf with the indulgent gooeyness of melted cheese. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or gatherings, this dish will create unforgettable moments around your dinner table. With a flavorful blend of ground beef, veggies, and cheese baked to perfection, your family will be asking for seconds!
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (any color)
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and bell peppers until softened (about 5 minutes).
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, sautéed vegetables, eggs, ketchup, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs until well combined.
- Fold in half of the shredded cheese into the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F) and cheese is bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (180g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider using seasoned breadcrumbs. Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. Add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms for more nutrition.
