Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: 5 Simple, Delicious Steps

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Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: 5 Simple, Delicious Steps

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Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food experience! This cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole is a game-changer for weeknight dinners, combining the hearty, savory flavors of classic meatloaf with the irresistible pull of melted cheese and a tangy glaze. It’s the family-friendly, one-pan wonder you’ve been dreaming of.

We’re deconstructing the traditional meatloaf and turning it into a bubbling, golden-brown casserole that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Forget dry, boring meatloaf; this dish is moist, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive in and create some dinner magic!

1. Why You’ll Crave This Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole

There are so many reasons this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. First and foremost, it’s pure comfort food. The rich ground beef, savory seasonings, and blanket of melted cheddar cheese create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Beyond the taste, this ground beef casserole is incredibly simple to prepare. By pressing the meat mixture into a baking dish instead of shaping a loaf, you ensure even cooking and a perfect texture every time. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal and the leftovers are just as delicious, if not more so!

2. The Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. You probably have most of these in your pantry already! We’re using classic meatloaf components to build a foundation of flavor that everyone will recognize and love.

  • Ground Beef: An 80/20 or 85/15 blend works best. The fat content keeps the meatloaf moist and flavorful. This guide from Food Network can help you choose the perfect type.
  • Onion & Garlic: The aromatic base for any great savory dish.
  • Breadcrumbs: Panko or regular breadcrumbs work well to bind the mixture.
  • Egg: Acts as the primary binder, holding everything together.
  • Milk: Adds moisture, ensuring a tender result.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a deep, umami flavor.
  • Seasonings: Dried parsley, salt, and black pepper are all you need.
  • Topping: A simple mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and a touch of apple cider vinegar creates a tangy, sweet glaze.
  • Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is a must for that “loaded” experience!

3. Let’s Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: Step-by-Step

Making this dish is as easy as mix, press, and bake. Follow these simple steps for a perfect casserole every time. This is a truly easy dinner recipe.

3.1. Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients for Meatloaf Casserole

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Finely chop your onion and mince the garlic. Getting your prep done first makes the entire process smooth and stress-free.

3.2. Step 2: Combine the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.

3.3. Step 3: Assemble the Cheesy Casserole

Evenly press the meat mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a flat, even layer. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar for the glaze. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer.

3.4. Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 160°F or 71°C). Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

4. Tips and Tricks for the Best Meatloaf Casserole

Want to take your casserole from great to unforgettable? Here are a few pro tips:

  • Don’t Overmix: As mentioned, gently combine the meatloaf ingredients. Overworking the meat can result in a dense, tough texture.
  • Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating a block of sharp cheddar will give you the best results.
  • Let It Rest: This is a crucial step! Letting the cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole rest for about 10 minutes before cutting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful slice.

5. Serving Ideas

This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of classic side dishes. You can keep it simple or create a full comfort food feast! Here are some of our favorites:

  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes
  • Garlic Green Beans
  • A simple Garden Salad with a vinaigrette dressing
  • Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus

No matter what you serve it with, this dish is sure to be a hit. See others recipes here for more easy dinner ideas!

6. The Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Here is the complete recipe, ready for you to print and add to your collection. This is your ticket to a delicious and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will adore.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Glaze:
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • For the Topping:
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Do not overmix.
  3. Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to create the glaze.
  5. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer.
  6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Remove from the oven and top with the shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Foire Aux Questions

Can I make this meatloaf casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (without the cheese topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Leftovers are fantastic! Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for individual portions or place the casserole back in an oven-safe dish and warm it at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a mix of ground pork and beef (often called meatloaf mix). If using leaner meat like ground turkey, you may want to add a little extra moisture, such as a tablespoon of olive oil, to the mixture to prevent it from drying out.

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