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Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 137 reviews

This Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish combining ground beef, cheddar cheese, and savory seasonings baked to perfection. The addition of melted cheese on top creates a gooey, delicious finish that makes this casserole a family favorite and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Mixture

  • 2 pounds ground beef (Use 80/20 for best juiciness and flavor)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (Plain or panko breadcrumbs can be used)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Shred your own from a block for best melting)
  • 1/2 cup milk (Helps keep the meatloaf moist)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup (For flavor and moisture)
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion (Finely chopped or grated; sauté for a milder flavor)
  • 2 eggs (Room temperature preferred for better mixing)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (Adjust based on preference)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (For additional flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (Adds an herbal touch)

Topping

  • 1 cup additional cheese for topping (Any cheese of choice for a melty finish)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Combining Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, ketchup, chopped onion, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until fully combined, taking care not to overwork the meat which can make the meatloaf tough.
  3. Shaping the Loaf: Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape or spread it evenly for a casserole style. Smooth the top to ensure even cheese melting later on.
  4. Baking: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Check that the meatloaf pulls slightly away from the edges of the dish and verify the internal temperature reaches between 155–160°F (68–71°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
  5. Cheese Topping: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the additional cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  6. Serving: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes to set up. Then slice and serve warm with your preferred side dishes.

Notes

  • Using 80/20 ground beef helps keep the meatloaf juicy and flavorful.
  • Shredding your own cheddar cheese improves melting quality compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • For a milder onion flavor, sauté the chopped onions before mixing them in.
  • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee safe doneness.
  • Allow the meatloaf to rest a few minutes after baking to maintain its shape when slicing.

Keywords: meatloaf casserole, cheesy meatloaf, baked meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef casserole

Find it online: https://annakocht.com/cheesy-meatloaf-casserole-recipe/