Description
Discover how to make this incredibly delicious and easy Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. This recipe combines the best of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and cheesy toppings for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Setting the Stage for Baking
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Combine the Meatloaf Ingredients: Creating a Flavorful Mixture
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Mix Gently: Use your hands or a large spoon to gently mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Tip: Using your hands is often the best way to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined without overworking the meat.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Building the Layers
- Press into Pan: Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, forming a solid layer that covers the bottom of the dish.
- Spread Mashed Potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture, creating a smooth, even layer.
- Top with Cheese, Bacon, and Onions: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes. Then, sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions over the cheese.
4. Bake to Perfection: Achieving a Golden-Brown and Bubbly Casserole
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Baking Time: Bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, the top is golden brown, and the meatloaf is cooked through. The internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 160°F (71°C).
5. Cool and Serve: Enjoying Your Creation
- Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve Hot: Serve the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole hot and enjoy!
