Description
Make this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole for a comforting, family-friendly meal. This recipe transforms the classic meatloaf into an easy, flavorful casserole format perfect for busy weeknights. You get all the hearty satisfaction with minimal cleanup time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup (for mixing)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- For Topping: 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, onion, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and the 1/2 cup of ketchup. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the top of the meat.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the topping ketchup and brown sugar. Spoon or drizzle this mixture over the cheese layer.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the topping is bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like.
Notes
- For a make-ahead option, assemble the entire casserole (without the topping) and cover tightly. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.
- You can easily add finely chopped cooked vegetables like mushrooms or carrots into the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you want a crispier topping, place the casserole under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg