Description
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining seasoned ground beef and pork meatloaf topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. Perfect for family dinners, it features layers of flavor and texture, baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh green onions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup ketchup (optional for added sweetness)
Mashed Potato Topping
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (about 3-4 large potatoes, peeled, boiled, and mashed)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, finely diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until well incorporated but avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape Meatloaf Layer: Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming a uniform layer that serves as the base of the casserole.
- Optional Ketchup Layer and Initial Baking: For a slightly sweet finish, spread a thin layer of ketchup over the shaped meatloaf. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the meat is mostly cooked through.
- Prepare Mashed Potato Topping: While the meat is baking, mix the prepared mashed potatoes with sour cream and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a smooth, creamy topping.
- Top Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Add Cheese and Bacon: Remove the partially baked meatloaf from the oven, spread the creamy mashed potato mixture evenly over it. Then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon on top for a rich and savory finish.
- Final Baking: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese has melted completely and is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the casserole with sliced green onions for a fresh, mild onion flavor. Serve hot for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- The ketchup layer is optional but adds a nice tangy sweetness matching the savory meatloaf.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Make sure not to overmix the meat to keep the meatloaf tender and moist.
