Name: Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground beef (80 to 85 percent lean) (Beef with some fat keeps the layer juicy.); 1 medium Onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves Garlic, minced (Fresh or jarred garlic can be used.); 1 large Egg (Helps bind the mixture.); 1/2 cup Bread crumbs (Plain or Italian.); 1/4 cup Ketchup or BBQ sauce (For flavor and moisture.); 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional) (Great for added flavor.); 1 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Pepper; 3 cups Mashed potatoes (Leftover, freshly made, or store bought.); 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded (Add more cheese if desired.); 1/2 cup Bacon, cooked and crumbled (For a crispy topping.); 2 tbsp Green onions or chives (optional) (For garnish.)

Description

A cozy and fun dish combining the heartiness of meatloaf with the comfort of cheesy mashed potatoes, topped with crispy bacon.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the beef layer

1 lb Ground beef (80 to 85 percent lean) (Beef with some fat keeps the layer juicy.)
1 medium Onion, finely chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced (Fresh or jarred garlic can be used.)
1 large Egg (Helps bind the mixture.)
1/2 cup Bread crumbs (Plain or Italian.)
1/4 cup Ketchup or BBQ sauce (For flavor and moisture.)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional) (Great for added flavor.)
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper

For the potato topping

3 cups Mashed potatoes (Leftover, freshly made, or store bought.)
1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded (Add more cheese if desired.)
1/2 cup Bacon, cooked and crumbled (For a crispy topping.)
2 tbsp Green onions or chives (optional) (For garnish.)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, bread crumbs, ketchup or BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to form the beef layer.
Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and press the beef mixture into an even layer.
Bake the beef layer for about 15 minutes to firm it up.
While the beef is baking, prepare your mashed potatoes.

Assembly

Spread the mashed potatoes over the warm beef layer, smoothing it out to the edges.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes, followed by crumbled bacon.
If desired, add more cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions or chives if desired.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for 2 to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Nutrition

Calories: 400
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 800
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 30
Fiber: 3
Protein: 25