Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

A Delicious and Hearty Treat!

Get ready to experience a cozy night in with the incredible Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole! This comforting dish is the perfect combination of cheesy goodness, savory flavors, and wholesome ingredients, guaranteeing satisfaction in every bite. If you’re like me, you understand the struggle of pleasing a crowd while keeping meal prep simple and quick. This casserole not only checks all the boxes for family-friendly appeal but also brings an exciting twist to the classic meatloaf we all love!

Did you know that meatloaf has been a favorite among households for generations? From potlucks to holiday gatherings, this dish never disappoints. The beauty of the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole lies in its versatility—you can customize it to suit picky eaters or keep it straightforward for a busy weeknight dinner. Just like our popular Lasagna Roll-Ups, this casserole brings everyone to the table, making meal time a delightful experience! So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to be a hit with everyone!

What is Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?

So, what is this mouthwatering Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole all about? Well, imagine if a classic meatloaf met a delectable casserole—voila, you have this culinary masterpiece! The name might make you chuckle: who knew meatloaf could get so fancy? Picture yourself digging into layers of savory meat, gooey cheese, and tasty toppings—it’s too good to resist!

Maybe you’ve heard the saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” This dish truly embodies that motto! Friends and family will surely fall in love as soon as they take their first bite. If you haven’t made it yet, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and join the meatloaf casserole party—you won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

This casserole is a total game-changer in the world of comfort food! Its delicious textures and flavors make it a standout dish. The main highlight is the melty, cheesy topping, which everyone adores. Trust me; the moment you pull this casserole out of the oven, the aroma will have everyone’s mouths watering in anticipation!

One of the best parts about making Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole at home is its cost-saving benefits: it’s a budget-friendly recipe that can feed a crowd without burning a hole in your wallet. With simple ingredients that you may already have on hand, you’ll save money and still create a delicious feast that rivals your favorite restaurant dishes.

In comparison to traditional meatloaf, this casserole offers even more flavors and textures thanks to the extra toppings and gooey cheese—it’s a true celebration of comfort food! So, grab a fork, and let’s make this delightful dish your new go-to recipe. You won’t be disappointed!

How to Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Quick Overview

Creating Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a breeze! With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and an oven bake time of around 45 minutes, you’ll have a fantastic meal ready for your family in no time. The dish combines all the traditional elements of meatloaf but with an elevated, cheesy twist that makes it extra satisfying and fun!

Key Ingredients for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup ketchup (for drizzling on top)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and warm by the time your casserole is ready to go in!
2. Mix the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
3. Add the Veggies: Gently fold in the diced bell peppers and shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture. This will add a wonderful flavor and texture to your casserole.
4. Form the Casserole: Spoon the meat mixture into a greased casserole dish, smoothing it out evenly.
5. Ketchup Drizzle: Drizzle the ketchup generously on top of the meat mixture, creating a beautiful glaze.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
7. Cheesy Finish: About 5 minutes before it’s done baking, sprinkle some extra cheese on top for that melty finish!
8. Serve: Once golden brown and bubbling, remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve!

What to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole With:

Pair this delicious casserole with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider complimenting it with steamed green beans or roasted vegetables to add a touch of color and crunch. For a fun twist, serve it alongside some warm garlic bread that will soak up every last bit of cheesy goodness!

Top Tips for Perfecting Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole:

1. Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option or add more of your favorite veggies for added nutrition.
2. Cheese Variety: Don’t hesitate to use different types of cheese like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for added flavor.
3. Avoid Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture as it could lead to a tough casserole; combine just until ingredients are blended.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container, making for excellent meal prep. If you want to enjoy it later, this casserole freezes beautifully—just wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When reheating, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Now, you have the secret to making an absolutely delicious Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole! Don’t forget to share your cooking adventures and enjoy the smiles around your dinner table. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

A comforting and cheesy twist on traditional meatloaf, this casserole is perfect for family gatherings and easy weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Casserole, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat and Base Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 pieces eggs
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Plus more for topping.

Vegetables and Seasoning

• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup ketchup For drizzling on top.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
3. Gently fold in the diced bell peppers and shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture.

Assembly and Baking

1. Spoon the meat mixture into a greased casserole dish, smoothing it out evenly.
2. Drizzle the ketchup generously on top of the meat mixture.
3. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
4. About 5 minutes before it’s done baking, sprinkle some extra cheese on top.

Serving

1. Once golden brown and bubbling, remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.

Notes

Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. This casserole freezes beautifully, just wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake until heated through.