Description
A comforting and hearty Cheesy Loaded Beef Meatloaf Casserole featuring a savory ground beef meatloaf base topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. This easy-to-make casserole brings together classic flavors into a delicious baked dish perfect for family dinners.
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 Layer
- 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 ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased casserole dish.
- Bake the Meatloaf Base: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake the meatloaf base for 20 minutes to allow it to start cooking through without fully baking it.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While the meatloaf is partially baking, mix your mashed potatoes with sour cream or cream cheese for added creaminess. If the mixture seems too thick, add milk gradually until you achieve the desired smooth consistency.
- Assemble the Casserole: Once the meatloaf base has baked for 20 minutes, spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and cooked crumbled bacon evenly over the potatoes.
- Bake the Casserole: Return the casserole dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired. Slice the casserole into portions and serve warm.
Notes
- Using store-bought mashed potatoes is a great time-saver, but homemade adds extra flavor.
- For a creamier mashed potato layer, don’t skip the sour cream or cream cheese.
- Feel free to substitute bacon with cooked sausage or omit it for a milder flavor.
- Ensure the meatloaf is partially baked before adding potato topping to keep layers distinct.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; the dish retains its flavor well.
