Craving the ultimate comfort food for dinner tonight? Look no further than this delightful meatloaf casserole! It perfectly combines two beloved classics: savory, tender meatloaf and creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes, all baked together in one dish. This easy-to-follow recipe makes weeknight meal prep a breeze for busy families. Get ready to enjoy a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that truly feels like a warm hug.
Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf Casserole
You’ll adore this meatloaf casserole for so many reasons, making it an instant family favorite.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: It brings together the rich flavors of a classic meatloaf with a luscious mashed potato topping, creating a truly satisfying meal.
- Simple One-Dish Meal: Everything bakes in a single dish, minimizing cleanup and simplifying dinner. It’s perfect for a busy schedule.
- Kid-Friendly Flavors: The mild yet savory taste of the meatloaf and the creamy potatoes appeal to even the pickiest eaters. This dish is a winner with children.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt it to your family’s preferences by adding different vegetables or cheeses. Make it your own!
- Clever Use of Leftovers: This recipe is fantastic if you have leftover mashed potatoes, transforming them into a brand new, delicious dinner.
Ingredients
To create this comforting meatloaf casserole, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. We’ll build a flavorful meatloaf base and top it with creamy potatoes, cheese, and bacon for extra texture and taste.
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 4 ½ cups mashed potatoes (your favorite recipe or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup crumbled cooked bacon
For Garnish (Optional):
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
Notes & Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 or 85/15 lean ground beef for the best flavor and moisture. Leaner cuts can make the meatloaf dry.
- Shallots: Yellow onion is a great alternative if you don’t have shallots. Finely chop it for even distribution.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs or even crushed saltine crackers work well as binders. Use what you have!
- Whole Milk: You can swap whole milk for buttermilk, half-and-half, or even a splash of beef broth to add moisture.
- Egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes) or chia egg works as a binder for those avoiding eggs.
- Mashed Potatoes: Homemade mashed potatoes are wonderful, but instant or refrigerated pre-made options are excellent time-savers.
- Cheddar Cheese: Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of mozzarella and provolone offer delicious melting options.
- Bacon: For a lighter option, use turkey bacon. You can also omit the bacon entirely for a simpler dish or vegetarian version (if you also swap the meat).
- Fresh Parsley: Dried parsley will work, but fresh herbs like chives or green onions add a bright finish.
Equipment
Gather these essential kitchen tools before you begin cooking your delicious meatloaf casserole:
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the meatloaf ingredients thoroughly.
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for this casserole to bake evenly.
- Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the casserole during the initial baking phase.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient quantities.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for mixing and spreading the ingredients.
Instructions
Creating this comforting meatloaf casserole is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect family meal.
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even cooking when you put the casserole in.
Step 2: Prepare Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine two pounds lean ground beef, 2 shallots finely chopped, 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup whole milk, 1 large egg lightly beaten, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a tough meatloaf.
Step 3: Press into Baking Dish
Add the prepared beef mixture to your 9×13-inch baking dish. Press it down evenly into a compact layer across the bottom of the dish. A firm, even layer helps the meatloaf cook consistently throughout.
Step 4: Add Topping
Spoon the 4 ½ cups of mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf layer. Ensure the potatoes fully cover the meatloaf. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ¼ cup of crumbled cooked bacon over the mashed potatoes. This creates a delicious, cheesy, and crispy top layer.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place the covered dish into the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes. Covering helps to cook the meatloaf thoroughly without drying out the top.
Step 6: Finish Baking Uncovered
After 50 minutes, carefully remove the aluminum foil from the baking dish. Return the casserole to the oven and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes. This final uncovered baking time allows the cheese to melt, become golden brown, and get wonderfully bubbly.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the meatloaf casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices in the meatloaf to redistribute, keeping it moist and flavorful. Garnish with 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley if desired for a touch of freshness.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Make your meatloaf casserole perfect every time with these helpful tips and tricks.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mixing the meatloaf ingredients too much develops the protein, resulting in a dense and tough meatloaf.
Overmixing ground meat can activate proteins like myosin, leading to a denser and tougher texture in your finished dish. For more details on the scientific reasons for tough meatloaf, it’s helpful to understand the protein changes. Mix until just combined.
- Even Layers: Press the meatloaf mixture firmly and evenly into the baking dish. Ensure the mashed potato layer is also even for consistent cooking and browning.
- Golden Topping: For an extra crispy, golden-brown cheese topping, you can carefully place the casserole under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after its baking time. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Prevent Dry Meatloaf: Use ground beef with some fat (80/20 or 85/15) for moisture. Don’t overbake; rely on the internal temperature for doneness.
- Internal Temperature: Always check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. It should reach 160°F (71°C) to be safely cooked through.
For food safety, the USDA provides clear guidelines on the safe cooking temperatures for ground beef to ensure it’s properly cooked.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This hearty meatloaf casserole is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a simple side elevates the dining experience.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this comforting dish with a crisp, light green salad or a side of steamed green beans.
- Roasted asparagus or garlic green beans make excellent vegetable companions.
- Offer crusty bread or warm cornbread on the side, perfect for soaking up any savory juices.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover meatloaf casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze this casserole raw or cooked. For raw, assemble and freeze the entire dish (without baking). For cooked, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. It stays fresh for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm. For a whole casserole, thaw in the fridge overnight (if frozen), then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, approximately 20-30 minutes, or longer if frozen.
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Mix finely diced peas, carrots, or corn directly into the meatloaf mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Swaps: Experiment with different cheeses! Try mozzarella for a stretchier topping, pepper jack for a kick, or a savory Gruyere.
- Sauce Options: A simple ketchup glaze (ketchup, brown sugar, a touch of vinegar) spread over the meatloaf before baking adds a tangy sweetness. You can also serve it with a classic brown gravy.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Boost the flavor of your meatloaf by adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, a pinch of smoky paprika, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Meat Alternatives: Ground turkey or ground pork can replace or be mixed with the ground beef for a different flavor profile in your comforting meatloaf bake.
Nutrition Information
This delicious meatloaf casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal, packed with essential nutrients. Each serving provides a substantial amount of protein from the ground beef, alongside carbohydrates from the mashed potatoes, offering sustained energy. It also contains healthy fats and various vitamins and minerals, making it a well-rounded and comforting dinner option. Enjoy this fulfilling dish!
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) |
|---|
| Calories: 650 |
| Total Fat: 40g |
| Saturated Fat: 18g |
| Cholesterol: 130mg |
| Sodium: 950mg |
| Total Carbohydrates: 35g |
| Dietary Fiber: 3g |
| Total Sugars: 4g |
| Protein: 35g |
Please note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make meatloaf casserole ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! Assemble the entire meatloaf casserole ahead of time (without baking), cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, prepare the meatloaf mixture and mashed potatoes separately, then assemble and bake just before serving.
Can I freeze meatloaf casserole?
You can freeze both unbaked and baked casseroles. For unbaked, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze. For baked, cool completely before wrapping and freezing.
What kind of ground beef is best for meatloaf casserole?
For the most flavorful and moist result, choose ground beef that is 80/20 or 85/15 lean. A little fat ensures your meatloaf stays tender and delicious.
How do I prevent my meatloaf from being dry?
Avoid using overly lean ground beef, and be careful not to overmix the meatloaf ingredients. Crucially, cook the meatloaf only until its internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to prevent drying.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using instant mashed potatoes is a fantastic shortcut for this meatloaf casserole. Prepare them according to package directions, then use them as specified in the recipe.
Conclusion
This hearty meatloaf casserole truly delivers on comfort, taste, and ease. It masterfully combines the savory flavors of classic meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, all baked into one incredible dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family meal, this recipe simplifies dinner without sacrificing flavor. We encourage you to try this ultimate comfort food in your kitchen soon and share your delicious experiences with us!