Description
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining a flavorful blend of ground beef and pork, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. It’s perfect for a family dinner, offering a delicious twist on traditional meatloaf baked in a casserole style for easy serving and rich, layered flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix gently until just combined to avoid toughening the meat.
- Form Meatloaf Base: Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer for even cooking.
- Add Mashed Potato Layer: Evenly spread the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, creating a smooth topping base.
- Top with Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, and chopped green onions evenly over the mashed potatoes for added flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meat is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C).
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing into portions and serving warm.
Notes
- You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time or use leftover mashed potatoes for convenience.
- Cook bacon prior to adding as topping to ensure crispiness; drain excess fat to prevent sogginess.
- Use fresh green onions for a mild onion flavor; substitute with chives if preferred.
- To make this dish gluten free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Keywords: meatloaf casserole, loaded meatloaf, cheesy meatloaf, comfort food, baked casserole, ground beef recipe