This hearty Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is packed with ground meat, cheese, and all your favorite veggies. It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds, and who doesn’t love that?
I love how everything bakes together, giving you a delicious mix of flavors in each bite. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, which means less cleaning! Yay for easy dinners! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go for ground beef for this casserole, but you could use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. A blend of beef and pork makes it juicier, so that’s always a favorite of mine.
Veggies: I love using a mix of bell peppers and zucchini for color and flavor. If you’re not a fan, try adding mushrooms, carrots, or spinach instead! Fresh or frozen corn works well too, but you can replace it with peas or diced carrots if needed.
Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for that classic cheese flavor, but feel free to swap in your favorite cheese like Monterey Jack or even pepper jack if you want a little kick. Mozzarella adds nice meltiness, but you can skip it if you prefer just one type of cheese.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs are great here, but panko offers a crunchier texture. If gluten-free is your aim, breadcrumbs made from almond flour or gluten-free bread would also work.
How Do I Ensure the Meatloaf Cooks Evenly?
Getting your meatloaf casserole to cook through without drying out is crucial. Here’s how:
- Use fresh ingredients, especially the veggies, as they retain moisture.
- Mix the meat mixture until just combined. Overmixing makes for a tough texture.
- Layering helps; by adding cheese in the middle and on top, it keeps the moisture in.
- Cover with foil while baking to retain steam. Remove it towards the end to crisp up the cheese.
- Always check doneness with a meat thermometer; it should reach 160°F for safe eating.
Finally, let it sit for a few minutes before cutting. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your casserole moist and tender.
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (use a mix of red, green, yellow)
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels (thawed)
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and 55 minutes to bake, so you’ll need roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes total. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a family gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a bit of olive oil to keep everything from sticking.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This step really brings out their flavor!
3. Add More Veggies:
Now, toss in the diced bell peppers and zucchini. Cook them for another 3-4 minutes until they’re tender. Once done, take them off the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
4. Mix It All Up:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, sautéed veggies, thawed corn, diced tomatoes, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, 1/4 cup of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined—don’t overmix or the meatloaf might become tough!
5. Layer the Meat Mixture:
Spread half of this meat mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish. This will be the first layer.
6. Add Cheese:
Next, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the meat layer. This cheesy goodness will melt in beautifully!
7. Top It Off:
Take the remaining meat mixture and spread it evenly on top of the cheese layer, smoothing it out so it’s even.
8. Ketchup Time:
For some extra flavor and moisture, spread a thin layer of ketchup on top of the remaining meat mixture.
9. Final Cheese Layer:
Now, sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top. Who can resist a cheesy topping?
10. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole dish with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
11. Uncover and Finish Baking:
After 40 minutes, take off the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and a lovely golden brown, and the internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 160°F (70°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
12. Rest Before Serving:
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes. This helps it set up so it’s easier to slice and serve.
13. Garnish and Enjoy:
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy this comforting meal with your family or friends!
Dig into this delightful Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole packed with flavors and veggies—perfect for creating favorite family memories around the dinner table!
FAQ for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Veggies
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great lean alternative. Just be aware that they can have a drier texture, so consider adding a bit more moisture with additional milk or veggies if desired.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just assemble it in the casserole dish without baking, cover tightly, and then bake it when you’re ready. You may need to increase the baking time if it’s straight from the fridge.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute?
You can easily swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand! Try using carrots, spinach, or mushrooms. Just ensure to chop them finely so they cook evenly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the oven for best results, or microwave it gently until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help maintain moisture when reheating.
