The aroma of Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole wafts through the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm embrace of melted cheese and savory meat. It’s like a cozy blanket on a chilly day, promising comfort with every bite. delicious balsamic glazed meatloaf Picture a golden-brown crust with bubbling cheese that glistens under the light, beckoning you to dig in.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
- How can I make this casserole spicier?
- What sides pair well with Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Every family gathering or cozy weeknight dinner deserves a star dish, and this casserole is it! I remember the first time I made it; my kids practically danced around the table in anticipation, their eyes wide at the cheesy goodness about to unfold. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that brings everyone together for laughter and joy.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”]This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze. The rich flavors meld beautifully, creating a mouthwatering experience. Its visually appealing layers make it a showstopper on any table. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in with friends.[/info_box]
I once served this dish at a family reunion and watched as Uncle Bob swiped seconds while Aunt Sally debated whether to grab thirds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor; I recommend an 80/20 blend for optimal juiciness.
Breadcrumbs: Choose plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs to add texture and help bind the mixture together.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar adds that gooey melty goodness we all crave in a casserole.
Ketchup: A classic meatloaf ingredient that adds moisture and sweetness; feel free to use homemade for extra flair.
Onion and Garlic: Freshly chopped onions and minced garlic bring aromatic depth; sauté them until fragrant for best results.
Eggs: They act as a binder; don’t skip these unless you want your casserole falling apart.
Seasoning Blend: Customize with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian herbs for added flavor complexity.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. creamy chicken mashed potato bowls.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish with non-stick spray. This will ensure your casserole slides right out when it’s done.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic until they turn translucent and release that mouthwatering aroma—about 3-4 minutes should do it.
Mix the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed onions, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, and seasonings. Use your hands (yes, get messy!) to mix everything until just combined—don’t overdo it!
Add Cheese Layers: Fold half of your shredded cheddar into the meat mixture before transferring it into your greased baking dish. This adds pockets of cheesy goodness throughout.
Topping Time!: Spread remaining shredded cheddar over the top of the casserole evenly. Make sure every inch gets that glorious cheese layer!
Bake Away!: Pop it in your preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes until everything is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly. A golden crust should form on top—resist the urge to dive in too soon!
After pulling it from the oven, let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving; this helps everything set nicely so you can cut perfect squares.
And there you have it—your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole ready to impress! Enjoy every cheesy bite surrounded by loved ones while sharing hearty laughs around the table. bourbon BBQ bacon meatball subs low carb bacon cheeseburger casserole. You might also enjoy this Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting dish that combines savory meat with gooey cheese. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone racing to the dinner table. This hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, and leftovers make for delightful lunches. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meat and onions in a skillet, then combine everything in a baking dish for even cooking. This method ensures maximum flavor infusion while keeping cleanup easy.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. Experimenting with different cheeses can also elevate the flavor profile, making it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring the cheese remains melty.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] When making Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole, don’t skip chilling the mixture before baking; it helps maintain shape. Use fresh herbs for added flavor and always taste before seasoning for balance. For a crispier top, broil briefly at the end of cooking. [/info_box]
Sharing this recipe reminds me of family gatherings filled with laughter and compliments about my cooking skills. Everyone always asks for seconds, which warms my heart and fills my soul.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and makes the dish lighter without sacrificing flavor.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to heat things up.
What sides pair well with Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
For more inspiration, check out this Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Serve it with a fresh salad or buttery garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory ground beef, aromatic onions, and gooey cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection. This hearty dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, delivering warm, cheesy goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With its easy preparation and rich flavors, this casserole is sure to become a beloved favorite at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed onions, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian herbs; mix until just combined.
- Fold half of the cheese into the meat mixture and transfer to the baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until cooked through and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg