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Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole


  • Author: Sophie

Description

A seasoned beef meatloaf base topped with creamy mashed potatoes, cheddar, bacon, and green onions.

Yield: One 9 × 13-inch casserole
Servings: 8
Prep: About 30 minutes
Bake: 40–55 minutes
Rest: 10 minutes
Total: About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes with overlapping preparation
Oven: 375°F


Ingredients

Scale

Meat base

  • 2 pounds 90% lean ground beef
  • ¾ cup plain dry breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 small onion, grated or finely minced, about ½ cup
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¾ teaspoon fine salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Oil or cooking spray for the dish

Potatoes and topping

  • 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼–½ cup warm milk, as needed
  • ½ teaspoon fine salt, plus optional salt for cooking water
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, divided
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • ¼ cup sliced green onions

Optional glaze

  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
  2. Soak breadcrumbs in ⅓ cup milk for 5 minutes. Stir in eggs, onion, ketchup, Worcestershire, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add beef and mix gently just until combined.
  3. Pat into an even layer in the dish. Bake uncovered about 25–35 minutes, or until the center reaches 160°F in several locations. Continue baking as needed to reach temperature.
  4. Meanwhile, simmer potatoes in water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes after simmering begins. Drain well and let excess moisture evaporate briefly.
  5. Mash with butter, sour cream, ¼ cup warm milk, salt, and pepper. Add more milk only as needed for a thick, spreadable mash. Fold in ½ cup cheddar.
  6. Carefully spoon or baste pooled fat and liquid from the cooked meat. If using glaze, mix and spread it thinly over the meat.
  7. Dollop potatoes over the meat and spread gently. Top with remaining 1½ cups cheddar and half the bacon.
  8. Bake another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese melts and the casserole is hot throughout. Rest 10 minutes. Add remaining bacon and green onions before serving.

Make-ahead: Chilled cooked components need a longer covered reheating stage; heat the assembled casserole to 165°F throughout.

Storage: Refrigerate promptly in shallow containers and use within 3–4 days. Reheat leftovers to 165°F. Freeze portions for up to 2 months for best quality.

Estimated nutrition: About 550–680 calories per serving at eight servings, before optional glaze and serving toppings.

Development note: Suggested formula developed from the title; not kitchen-tested. Use temperature and texture cues to adjust timing.