Name: Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: A Hearty Comfort Food Twist
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Crust:; 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; For the Topping:; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is a comforting, indulgent twist on the classic meatloaf, with all the delicious flavors you love and more! The combination of melted cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates a cheesy, gooey topping that perfectly complements the savory meatloaf base. Crispy and savory additions enhance the dish, while green onions give a fresh burst of flavor. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, all while being a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or looking for a simple weeknight meal, this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole is guaranteed to please.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix the Meatloaf Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk. Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is evenly combined.
Add the Cheese and Extras: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, and chopped green onions to the mixture. Gently fold everything together, being careful not to overwork the meat mixture.
Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Press it down evenly to form a loaf shape.
Add Cheese Topping: Top the meatloaf with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole dish from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the meatloaf set and makes it easier to serve.
Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

Swap Ground Meat: For a leaner version, substitute half of the ground beef with ground turkey to add flavor and moisture.
Cheese Choices: Swap out the mozzarella for provolone, gouda, or any cheese of your choice for a unique flavor twist.
Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for an extra kick.
Flavor Boost: Sauté the green onions before adding them to the meat mixture for a deeper, richer flavor.
No Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have breadcrumbs, use crushed crackers, oats, or even a handful of cornmeal as an alternative.

Storage/Reheating

This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual servings until hot. If you have leftovers, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cover it tightly and reheat it thoroughly when ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I use lean ground beef for this recipe?

Yes, lean ground beef can be used, but for a juicier meatloaf, it’s recommended to use a slightly higher fat content, such as 80/20 ground beef. If using lean meat, adding a little extra moisture with milk or eggs can help.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Assemble it up to the point of baking, then cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Can I freeze this meatloaf casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Once assembled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake according to the recipe instructions.

Can I make this recipe without cheese?

If you prefer a dairy-free or lighter version, you can omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The casserole will still be delicious, but without the gooey cheesy topping.

How do I prevent the meatloaf from being greasy?

To prevent excess grease, you can drain any fat that accumulates while cooking before adding the cheese on top. Alternatively, you can use leaner cuts of ground beef or substitute part of the beef with ground turkey.

Can I make this in a different pan?

Yes, you can make this meatloaf casserole in a different size pan, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. A larger pan may reduce the cooking time, while a smaller pan may require a few extra minutes.

Conclusion

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With layers of savory ground beef, crispy additions, melted cheese, and zesty seasonings, this casserole is a great twist on the classic meatloaf. It’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for serving a crowd. Whether you’re enjoying it for dinner or saving it for leftovers, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: A Hearty Comfort Food Twist

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Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole takes the classic meatloaf to the next level with a cheesy, savory twist. Ground beef is combined with gooey cheese, breadcrumbs, and zesty seasonings, then topped with melted cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a hearty, comforting dish.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix the Meatloaf Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk. Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is evenly combined.
Add the Cheese and Extras: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, and chopped green onions to the mixture. Gently fold everything together, being careful not to overwork the meat mixture.
Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Press it down evenly to form a loaf shape.
Add Cheese Topping: Top the meatloaf with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole dish from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the meatloaf set and makes it easier to serve.
Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole!