We all know how hectic family dinners can get, right? Between balancing work, school, and everything in between, it can feel impossible to whip up something everyone will love. But don’t worry, I’ve got just the solution for you! Try this easy loaded meatloaf casserole for a family favorite dinner that’s not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that combines all the classic meatloaf goodness with melty cheese and creamy mashed potatoes on top. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, so clean-up is a breeze! Trust me, this casserole will quickly become a weekly staple in your home, bringing your family together around the dinner table with smiles all around.

Ingredients for Easy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

• 1 lb ground beef – I prefer using lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs – This helps bind everything together, giving it that perfect meatloaf texture.
• 1/2 cup milk – It keeps the meatloaf moist and tender.
• 1 egg – Acts as a binder; don’t skip it!
• 1 onion, diced – For that wonderful flavor boost!
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Because who can resist melty cheese?
• 1 cup mashed potatoes – You can use leftover mashed potatoes if you have them!
• 1/2 cup ketchup – Adds a tangy sweetness on top.
• Salt to taste – A little seasoning goes a long way.
• Pepper to taste – For that perfect kick!

These ingredients come together to make a comforting casserole that your family will adore!

How to Prepare Easy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s super important to have that oven nice and hot when you put your casserole in! While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly; you want it well combined without overworking the meat.

Once your mixture is ready, form it into a loaf shape and transfer it to a baking dish. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; it’ll cook up beautifully! Now, spread the ketchup generously on top—this is where the magic starts to happen. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. The smell will be divine, trust me!

After 45 minutes, take it out (be careful, it’s hot!) and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, just enough time for that cheese to melt into gooey perfection. Once done, let your meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This step is key to keeping it juicy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• The flavors are out of this world, with a delicious blend of beef, cheese, and tangy ketchup.
• It’s a one-pan dish, which means less mess and more time to spend with your family.
• This casserole is super versatile; you can customize it to fit your family’s tastes.
• Kids and adults alike will love it, making it a true family favorite.

Tips for Success

Here are my top tips to ensure your easy loaded meatloaf casserole turns out perfectly every time!

• Don’t overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf.
• Use a meat thermometer: For perfectly cooked meatloaf, check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Customize the veggies: Feel free to sneak in some finely chopped bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
• Experiment with seasonings: Try adding garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, or your favorite herbs for a flavor boost!
• Let it rest: Remember to let the casserole rest before slicing to keep those juices locked in.

With these tips, you’ll impress your family with a delicious meatloaf casserole that they’ll rave about!

Variations of Easy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Once you’ve got the basics down, the sky’s the limit with variations! For a twist, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. You can even mix in some Italian sausage for a bit of spice! If you want to sneak in more veggies, consider adding chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms right into the meat mixture. For an extra flavor kick, swap out the cheddar for crumbled feta or pepper jack cheese! And don’t forget, you can top it off with barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky flavor. Get creative, and make it your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your easy loaded meatloaf casserole is a breeze! Once it’s cooled down, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and it’ll be safe in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. For reheating, you can pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or if you’re in a hurry, the microwave works just fine too! Just make sure to cover it to avoid drying out. Enjoy your meal again!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one slice of this easy loaded meatloaf casserole: around 350 calories, 20g of fat, 20g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy this hearty dish guilt-free!

FAQ Section

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about this easy loaded meatloaf casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can use crushed crackers or even oats as a substitute. They’ll still give that lovely texture.

Can I use a different type of meat?
Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of meats can work beautifully in this easy meatloaf casserole.

Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free breadcrumbs, this dish is perfect for those avoiding gluten!

Feel free to reach out if you have more questions, and happy cooking!

Try This Easy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole for Dinner Joy

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• Autor: Julia marin
• Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
• Ernährung: Glutenfrei

Drucken-Rezept

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Beschreibung

Try this easy loaded meatloaf casserole for a family favorite dinner.

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Zutaten

Skala 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Anweisungen

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, salt, and pepper.
3. Form the mixture into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
4. Spread ketchup on top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake for 45 minutes.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and return to the oven for 10 minutes.
7. Serve with mashed potatoes on the side.

Notes

• Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
• Feel free to add vegetables to the mixture.
• This dish can be made ahead and reheated.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Kochen Zeit: 55 minutes
• Kategorie: Dinner
• Methode: Baking
• Küche: American

Ernährung

• Portionsgröße: 1 slice
• Kalorien: 350
• Zucker: 5g
• Natrium: 600mg
• Fett: 20g
• Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 8g
• Ungesättigte Fette: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Kohlenhydrate: 30g
• Faser: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterin: 70mg

Keywords: easy meatloaf casserole, family dinner, loaded meatloaf