Description
A comforting and indulgent twist on traditional meatloaf, this casserole layers a savory meatloaf base with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. Topped with fresh green onions or chives, it’s a hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or any occasion that calls for something extra special.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Base:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup (divided)
For the Topping:
- 2 cups prepared mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish. -
Make the Meatloaf Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the ketchup. Mix until well combined. -
Form and Bake the Meatloaf Base:
Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it to cover the bottom. Spread the remaining ketchup on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink. -
Add the Topping:
Carefully spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, then add the crumbled bacon. -
Bake Again:
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with green onions or chives if desired. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Mashed Potatoes: Use leftover mashed potatoes or prepare a batch specifically for this recipe.
- Bacon: If you prefer, you can swap out the bacon for turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or a cheese blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Meatloaf casserole, cheesy meatloaf, loaded meatloaf, mashed potato casserole, bacon casserole, comfort food