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CHEESY LOADED MEATLOAF CASSEROLE Recipe

CHEESY LOADED MEATLOAF CASSEROLE Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 20 reviews

A comforting and hearty casserole featuring a savory meatloaf base topped with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, melted sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. This cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole combines classic flavors in an easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Base

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup white onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

  • 3 cups garlic mashed potatoes
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/3 cup crispy bacon, crumbled
  • 2 green onions, sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until evenly combined.
  3. Add Binding Ingredients: Add the Italian breadcrumbs, egg, kosher salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture. Gently mix until just combined, taking care not to overwork the meat to keep it tender.
  4. Shape Meat Mixture: Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, forming a uniform layer as the base of the casserole.
  5. Spread Mashed Potatoes: Evenly spread the garlic mashed potatoes over the top of the meatloaf layer, ensuring a smooth and complete coverage.
  6. Add Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes, then top with the crumbled crispy bacon for added flavor and texture.
  7. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the meatloaf to cook through.
  8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
  9. Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: You can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake.
  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the oven to preserve the crispy cheese and bacon topping.
  • Variations: Experiment with different cheese varieties such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
  • Potato Tips: Warm the mashed potatoes slightly before spreading for easier handling and a smoother layer.
  • Time Saver: Use store-bought garlic mashed potatoes to reduce prep time without sacrificing flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf casserole, cheesy meatloaf, loaded meatloaf, garlic mashed potatoes, bacon casserole, comfort food

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/cheesy-loaded-meatloaf-casserole-recipe/