When you think of comfort food, does your mouth water at the thought of a Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole? Picture this: savory ground beef mixed with melty cheese, tangy barbecue sauce, and a delicious blend of spices. green beans with bacon It’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening, filling your home with an aroma that makes everyone drop what they are doing and gather around the table. Trust me; it’s the kind of dish that brings a smile to your face and joy to your belly. For more inspiration, check out this cheesy mashed potato puffs recipe.
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>
- What can I serve with Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
- Can I freeze leftovers of Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
- How long does it take to cook Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made this casserole for my family. My kids were skeptical at first—after all, meatloaf has gotten a bad rap over the years. But as soon as they took that first bite, their faces lit up like it was Christmas morning! Now, every time I whip up this cheesy delight, it’s a guaranteed hit. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just cozy nights in when you want something hearty and satisfying.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is simple to prepare and packs a flavor punch that will impress everyone. The melty cheese creates an irresistible topping that complements the savory meatloaf perfectly. With its vibrant colors and enticing aroma, it’s bound to be the star of any dinner table. Plus, it’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions. [/info_box]
Every time I serve this dish, my friends rave about how delicious it is—it’s become our go-to recipe for gatherings! cheeseburger sliders.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option while still keeping the flavors rich.
Shredded Cheese: I love using cheddar for its sharpness; feel free to mix in your favorite melty varieties.
Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs to help bind everything together beautifully.
Eggs: One or two eggs will help hold your meatloaf casserole together while adding moisture.
Barbecue Sauce: Go for your favorite brand or homemade version; it adds a tangy sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Onions and Garlic: Freshly chopped onions and minced garlic add depth and flavor; sauté them until fragrant!
Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget to season generously; these staples enhance all the flavors in this dish.
Bell Peppers: Chopped bell peppers add color and crunch—use any color you prefer!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly from the get-go.
Sauté The Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic. This step adds incredible flavor depth.
Mix The Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, sautéed onions and garlic, bell peppers, salt, pepper, and half of the barbecue sauce. Mix until well combined but don’t overdo it!
Add The Cheese Layer: Transfer half of the meat mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of your shredded cheese on top before adding another layer of meat mixture.
Top With More Goodness!: Spread the remaining barbecue sauce over the top layer of meatloaf and sprinkle with the rest of your cheese. Because more cheese is always better!
Bake To Perfection!: Place in your preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until cooked through and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving; this helps set everything nicely.
Now get ready to dig in! Each bite offers cheesy goodness combined with tender meatloaf flavors that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Enjoy!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting dish that combines classic meatloaf flavors with a gooey cheese topping. This hearty meal is perfect for family gatherings and leftovers are even better the next day. The aroma fills the kitchen, making it irresistible! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meat before mixing it with ingredients. Layer cheese in between for extra gooeyness, then bake until bubbly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or swap ground beef for turkey. Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combo.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For ultimate flavor, let the casserole rest after baking for about 10 minutes. This helps everything meld together beautifully. Don’t shy away from using your favorite spices; they can elevate the dish significantly. Remember to adjust cooking time based on your oven’s quirks! [/info_box]
Cooking this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole always brings back memories of family dinners where everyone raved about how delicious it was. cheesy taco rice recipe It became a go-to recipe that never disappointed.
FAQ
What can I serve with Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
For more inspiration, check out this cheesy spinach mushroom boats recipe.
Pair it with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal. cheesy mashed potato puffs.
Can I freeze leftovers of Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to three months.
How long does it take to cook Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
It typically takes about 1 hour at 350°F (175°C) to cook thoroughly and become bubbly.
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
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory ground beef, melty cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce into a hearty dish your family will love. This casserole not only fills your home with a mouthwatering aroma but also guarantees smiles around the dinner table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is easy to prepare and delivers a flavor punch that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for topping)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, sautéed onion and garlic, bell peppers, salt, pepper, and half of the barbecue sauce. Mix until just combined.
- Spread half of the meat mixture in a greased baking dish and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Add remaining meat mixture on top.
- Spread remaining barbecue sauce over the top layer and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake for about 45 minutes or until bubbly and cooked through. Let it cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
