Description
Comforting cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole brings hearty midwest flavors to dinner tables with irresistible charm. Melted cheese, savory meat, and crisp vegetable toppings promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping and Garnish Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional for topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Thoroughly blend ground beef with egg, breadcrumbs, diced onion, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings in a mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, carefully pressing and smoothing the surface to create an even layer.
- Place the casserole in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes to partially cook the meat base.
- Remove the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven and spread a uniform layer of creamy mashed potatoes across the meat surface.
- Generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potato layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- For added flavor, drizzle ketchup across the cheese layer if desired.
- Return the casserole to the oven and continue baking for 15-20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, bubbly texture.
- Once finished, remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and appetizing.
Notes
- Mix meat gently to avoid tough texture, prevent overworking the ground beef for a tender result.
- Drain excess fat after initial baking to reduce greasiness and enhance overall dish healthiness.
- Use lean ground beef (90/10) for a lighter version without compromising flavor and juiciness.
- Substitute mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash for a low-carb, keto-friendly alternative that maintains creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg