Description
Hearty cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole delivers comfort and satisfaction in one delightful dish. Ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon create a memorable meal that home cooks will absolutely adore.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
Binding and Filler Ingredients:
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup diced onions
Flavor and Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a casserole dish with cooking spray.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with bread crumbs, finely chopped onions, beaten egg, tangy ketchup, aromatic garlic powder, and seasonings until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gently press the meat mixture into the prepared dish, creating a uniform and compact base layer.
- Carefully spread a smooth, even layer of creamy mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the potato surface, followed by a scattering of crispy bacon bits.
- Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly topping.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5 minutes, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter, healthier version of this hearty casserole.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend to create unique flavor profiles.
- Prepare extra bacon bits and sprinkle them right before serving to maintain their crispy texture and add a fresh crunch.
- Make this dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 545 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg