It’s time to indulge in a warm, cheesy embrace with our Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole! Picture this: layers of savory meat, ooey-gooey cheese, and an explosion of flavor that dances on your taste buds. Cheesy Taco Rice side dish The aroma wafting from the oven is like a big hug from your grandma—comforting, nostalgic, and utterly irresistible. Savory Garlic Herb Roasted Veggies
This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or potlucks where you want to be the star of the show. Imagine the delight on everyone’s faces as they dive into this decadent creation. Trust me, it’s not just food; it’s an experience that will have your loved ones clamoring for seconds and asking for the recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight cooking a breeze. Its rich flavors combine beefy goodness with melty cheese for an unforgettable taste. The vibrant layers create a mouthwatering presentation that will impress anyone at your dinner table. Perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, this casserole is versatile enough to satisfy all appetites. [/info_box]
I still remember the first time I made this casserole; my kids’ faces lit up brighter than a Christmas tree when they took their first bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a balanced flavor without too much grease.
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Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatloaf together; panko adds extra crunch if you prefer.
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Eggs: They act as a binder and add richness to the meat mixture.
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Onion: Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to every bite.
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Garlic Powder: A must-have for that aromatic kick; I always double it because why not?
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Ketchup: Not just for serving! It’s crucial for flavor and moisture in the meatloaf.
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Shredded Cheese: Mix it up with cheddar or mozzarella for delightful gooeyness!
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Bell Peppers: Chopped bell peppers add color and sweetness; feel free to use any color you like.
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Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs elevate the flavor profile significantly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab your favorite casserole dish and coat it lightly with non-stick spray.
Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, garlic powder, ketchup, and seasonings. Mix until everything is well incorporated but avoid overmixing—it should be tender!
Add Cheese and Veggies: Gently fold in half of your shredded cheese along with chopped bell peppers into the meat mixture. Mac and Cheese Delight This adds delightful bites of flavor throughout!
Mold Into Shape**: Transfer the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and shape it into a loaf form. Make sure it’s evenly distributed so every slice gets those cheesy bits.
Bake It Up**: Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes or until fully cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
Add Final Touches**: Remove from the oven and sprinkle remaining shredded cheese on top. Return to oven for another 5-10 minutes until melted and bubbly—trust me; this is where dreams come true.
Now that you’ve mastered this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole recipe, get ready to enjoy every cheesy bite! For more inspiration, check out this Honey Garlic Shrimp and Sausage recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights. The rich flavors will make your kitchen smell heavenly. Plus, leftovers are even tastier the next day, making it a winner for meal prep. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Brown the meat first to lock in flavor, then mix with other ingredients before layering in the casserole dish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for extra nutrition. Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] To avoid dry meatloaf, don’t overmix the meat mixture; gentle handling keeps it juicy. Allow it to rest before serving, enhancing flavor and texture further. Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F for perfect doneness. [/info_box]
Sharing this recipe brings back fond memories of family gatherings where everyone fought over the last bite. I still smile thinking about my cousin declaring it “the best thing ever.”
FAQ
What can I serve with Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
Serve it with mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs.
Can I freeze Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
Absolutely! Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy meals later.
How long does Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole take to bake?
Bake it for about 45-50 minutes until cooked through and cheese is bubbly.
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
Indulge in a heartwarming Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole that combines layers of savory ground beef, melty cheese, and vibrant veggies. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, delivering rich flavors and a delightful presentation that will leave everyone craving more. Easy to prepare, this casserole promises to be a hit on your dinner table!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (any color)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a casserole dish with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic powder, ketchup, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in half of the shredded cheese and the chopped bell peppers.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared casserole dish and shape it into a loaf.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until melted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
