Easy Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe with Few Ingredients

 

Easy Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: A Comforting and Simple Delight! 🧀🥩✨

1. Introduction

Looking for a hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy meal that will satisfy the whole family? This easy cheesy meatloaf casserole is the answer! Combining the classic, savory flavors of a traditional meatloaf with the gooey, melty goodness of cheese and just a few simple ingredients, this casserole is the perfect solution for a weeknight dinner when time is short, or even a potluck gathering where you want to bring a dish that everyone will love. This recipe walks you through creating a simple meatloaf casserole that’s both satisfying and delicious, ensuring everyone at the table leaves happy and full. Forget complicated recipes with a long list of ingredients; this loaded meatloaf recipe is designed for ultimate simplicity without sacrificing maximum flavor. If you’re looking for other easy dinner options, check out our full list of dinner recipes! We have something for everyone.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook with years of experience or someone just starting out in the kitchen, this cheesy meatloaf bake is virtually foolproof. Using minimal ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge, and following a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a delectable, crowd-pleasing meal on the table in no time. The beauty of this recipe also lies in its inherent adaptability – feel free to adjust the seasonings, the type of cheese, and even the toppings to perfectly suit your family’s taste preferences. Get creative and make it your own! Let’s dive right into making this irresistible easy cheesy meatloaf casserole! You might also enjoy these quick and easy soup recipes perfect for busy weeknights like Quick and Easy Potato Leek Soup or Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup.

2. Why This Recipe Works

This easy cheesy meatloaf casserole recipe is a winner because it strikes the perfect balance between satisfying flavor, ultimate simplicity, and clever resourcefulness. By relying on common pantry staples and readily available ingredients, it significantly reduces the need for complicated and time-consuming shopping trips. The classic combination of ground beef, seasoned breadcrumbs, and aromatic seasonings creates a robust and savory foundation, while the generous, bubbly layer of melted cheese elevates the entire dish to a true comfort food masterpiece. The casserole format itself makes it incredibly easy to serve, and it also ensures that every single bite is packed with juicy, flavorful meatloaf and plenty of cheesy goodness. It’s an ideal and delicious way to transform humble, everyday ingredients into a satisfying and memorable meal that the whole family is guaranteed to enjoy. Plus, this simple meatloaf casserole is also remarkably forgiving, allowing for slight variations and substitutions based on what you happen to have on hand in your kitchen, making it a reliable go-to choice for those hectic and busy weeknights when you need a quick, easy, and delicious dinner solution.

3. Ingredients Needed

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup tomato sauce

4. Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure your mixing bowl is large enough to comfortably accommodate all of the ingredients.

Step 2: Mix Thoroughly

Use your clean hands or a large spoon to thoroughly mix all of the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture, as this can result in a tougher meatloaf. Mixing just until everything is evenly distributed is the key to a tender and juicy result. If you enjoy recipes ready in no time, feel free to check this Few Ingredient Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to a moderate 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, spread a smooth, thin layer of tomato sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This layer of tomato sauce will help to keep the meatloaf moist and add a layer of flavor. Once the bottom is coated, gently press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared dish, ensuring it’s spread out in a uniform layer.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

Carefully cover the meat mixture with the remaining tomato sauce, spreading it evenly over the surface. Then, sprinkle generously with the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring that the entire top of the casserole is covered in a thick layer of cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked completely through and the cheese is beautifully melted, golden brown, and bubbly. A great resource for meatloaf casserole variations and cooking times can be found at 12 Tomatoes.

6. Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Casserole

• Don’t Overmix: As mentioned earlier, overmixing the meat mixture can result in a tough and dense meatloaf. Mix gently just until the ingredients are evenly combined.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opting for good quality ground beef, freshly shredded cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce will make a noticeable difference in the overall taste and quality of the final casserole.
• Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, flavor, and texture, consider adding finely diced onions, carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the meat mixture. Sautéing them lightly before adding them can enhance their flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to create unique flavor profiles. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a blend of cheeses can all be delicious options.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for about 10-15 minutes after baking, before slicing and serving, is crucial. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meatloaf, resulting in a more moist and flavorful dish.

7. Serving Suggestions

This easy cheesy meatloaf casserole pairs exceptionally well with a wide variety of complementary side dishes. Consider serving it with classic pairings such as:

• Fluffy mashed potatoes (garlic mashed potatoes are especially delicious)
• Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, green beans, and carrots are all excellent choices)
• A crisp and refreshing fresh green salad with your favorite dressing
• Warm and crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Creamy mac and cheese

The incredible versatility of this cheesy meatloaf bake makes it a fantastic option for any type of meal, whether it be a casual weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering with friends and family. It is also absolutely delicious served as leftovers the next day, making it a convenient and satisfying meal option. If you liked this potato related dish, check this Effortless Carrot Potato Soup Recipe. It is perfect for busy days!

8. Variations

• Spicy Meatloaf Casserole: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or some finely chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture for a spicy kick that will awaken your taste buds.
• Italian Style: Use Italian seasoning blend instead of the garlic and onion powder, and top the casserole with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and a generous drizzle of marinara sauce for a delicious Italian-inspired twist.
• BBQ Meatloaf Casserole: Mix your favorite BBQ sauce directly into the meat mixture and use even more BBQ sauce instead of the traditional tomato sauce on top for a smoky and tangy flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, simply use a plant-based ground meat substitute in place of the ground beef and substitute vegetable broth for the milk. Be sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly.

These exciting variations make it incredibly easy to customize this loaded meatloaf recipe to perfectly suit your personal preferences, dietary needs, and the ingredients you have readily available in your kitchen.

9. Conclusion

This easy cheesy meatloaf casserole is a truly fantastic and wonderfully no-fuss meal that brings both comforting flavors and satisfying textures to your table. With its simple ingredients that you likely already have, and its remarkably straightforward instructions that anyone can follow, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you’re short on time, or for those casual gatherings where you want to impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. The delightful combination of savory, well-seasoned meatloaf and gooey, melted cheese is guaranteed to be a resounding hit with everyone who tries it. We hope you enjoy creating, customizing, and sharing this delightful simple meatloaf casserole! The sheer ease of preparation and the undeniable deliciousness of this easy cheesy meatloaf casserole will most certainly make it a beloved family favorite for years to come. Whether you choose to stick to the original recipe as written, or you decide to get creative and try one of the exciting variations we’ve suggested, you’re definitely in for a truly satisfying and memorable treat! And don’t forget to explore more delicious recipes on our recipes page!

“`

Print