Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole (Print version)
A cozy meatloaf casserole layered with creamy mashed potatoes, cheddar, bacon, and green onions for a hearty family dinner.
# Ingredients:
For the meatloaf base
01 -
1 1/2 lb (680 g) lean ground beef
02 -
1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 large egg
05 -
3/4 cup (75 g) Italian breadcrumbs
06 -
1/4 cup (60 g) ketchup
07 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
08 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
09 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the loaded topping
11 -
3 cups (720 g) warm mashed potatoes
12 -
1/3 cup (80 g) sour cream
13 -
1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
14 -
1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon
15 -
2 green onions, thinly sliced
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 400 F. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently just until combined.
03 -
Press the beef mixture evenly into the baking dish. Stir the sour cream into the warm mashed potatoes, then spread the potatoes over the beef.
04 -
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
05 -
Remove the foil. Sprinkle cheddar and bacon over the potatoes. Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes more, until the cheese is melted and the beef layer reaches 160 F in the center.
06 -
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes. Top with sliced green onions, then cut into squares and serve warm.
# Good to know:
01 -
Warm mashed potatoes spread more evenly than cold potatoes.
02 -
Resting helps the casserole slice into cleaner squares.