Description
Savory cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables across America. Hearty layers of ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) crumbled bacon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) sharp cheddar cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup (120 grams) Italian breadcrumbs
- 3 cups (680 grams) mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped white onion
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F, ensuring a hot environment for optimal cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with minced garlic, diced onions, and Worcestershire sauce for enhanced flavor depth.
- Incorporate beaten egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, kneading gently to maintain a tender texture.
- Transfer the meat mixture into an 8-inch baking dish, pressing evenly to create a uniform layer that will cook consistently.
- Spread a generous layer of creamy mashed potatoes across the meat foundation, creating a smooth and even surface.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese liberally over the potato layer, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melting potential.
- Crumble crispy bacon pieces across the cheese, distributing them evenly for balanced flavor in each bite.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the meat to cook thoroughly.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and make cutting easier.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter texture in the casserole.
- Sauté onions and garlic beforehand to enhance their sweetness and mellow flavor before mixing with meat.
- Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed pork rinds for low-carb dieters.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing easier without falling apart.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg