Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and hearty twist on traditional meatloaf. Instead of forming individual loaves, this version layers ground beef with a deliciously seasoned sauce, topped with mashed potatoes or cheese, for a one-pan meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for Meatloaf Casserole:
Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or a mixture of ground beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
For the Topping (Optional):
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, bread crumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared casserole dish and press it down into an even layer.
3. Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Pour this sauce evenly over the meatloaf layer in the casserole dish.
4. Bake the Meatloaf Casserole:
- Bake the casserole at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C).
5. Add the Topping (Optional):
- If you’re adding mashed potatoes or cheese as a topping, remove the casserole from the oven after the meat is cooked through. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top of the meatloaf layer in an even layer. If you like, sprinkle cheese on top of the mashed potatoes.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh herbs (like parsley) if desired.
Tips:
- Mashed Potato Topping: For an easier version, you can use instant mashed potatoes or leftover mashed potatoes from a previous meal. Just spread them on top and bake.
- Cheese: Feel free to use different types of cheese for the topping, like parmesan, cheddar, or mozzarella. You can also add some grated cheddar cheese to the meatloaf mixture for extra flavor.
- Vegetables: Add in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the meat mixture for added veggies.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour in place of regular breadcrumbs if you need a gluten-free option.
This Meatloaf Casserole is a great one-dish meal that combines the hearty flavors of classic meatloaf with a bit of extra comfort. The sauce keeps it juicy, and the mashed potato topping adds a creamy touch. Enjoy!