“Ah-mazing! My kids said it’s one of the best dinners I’ve ever made.
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that transforms leftover mashed potatoes and ground beef into a hearty and satisfying meal. The combination of savory meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and melty cheese makes it a family favorite.
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Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Leftover (garlic) mashed potatoes | 3 cups |
| Lean ground beef | 1 pound |
| White onion, finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Italian breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Sharp cheddar cheese, grated | 1 1/2 cups |
| Bacon (cooked and crumbled) or bacon bits | 1/3 cup |
| Kosher salt | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
- Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, finely chopped white onion, minced garlic, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Use two forks or your hands to mix thoroughly.
- Season and Add Breadcrumbs and Egg: Season the meat mixture generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Then, work in the Italian breadcrumbs and the large egg until everything is well combined.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the ground beef mixture to an 8-inch square baking dish. Press it into an even layer.
- Add Mashed Potatoes and Toppings: Spread the leftover mashed potatoes evenly over the ground beef layer. Then, top with the grated sharp cheddar cheese and the cooked and crumbled bacon or bacon bits.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly, then serve hot. Enjoy!
