Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole (Printer-Friendly)
Savory ground meat, rich mashed potatoes, and gooey cheese unite for the ultimate cozy casserole.
# What You’ll Need to Cook:
→ Meat Base
01 -
900 g lean ground beef
02 -
225 g ground pork (optional for added depth)
03 -
1 small onion, finely chopped
04 -
3 garlic cloves, minced
05 -
1 large egg
06 -
120 g seasoned breadcrumbs
07 -
1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
08 -
120 g cottage cheese
→ Mashed Potato Layer
09 -
900 g potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
10 -
115 g unsalted butter
11 -
120 ml sour cream
12 -
120 ml half-and-half (or whole milk)
13 -
Salt, to taste
14 -
Black pepper, to taste
→ Cheese and Toppings
15 -
200 g shredded cheddar cheese
16 -
100 g mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional for extra melt)
17 -
6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
18 -
Fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
# Steps to Prepare:
01 -
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, optional ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, seasoned breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, cottage cheese, and egg. Mix gently until just incorporated; avoid overmixing for best texture.
02 -
Press the meat mixture evenly into the base of a 33 x 23 cm (13 x 9 inch) baking dish, ensuring uniform thickness across the surface.
03 -
Boil potatoes in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly and return to pot. Add butter, sour cream, half-and-half, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
04 -
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat layer, smoothing the surface with a spatula to form a cohesive second layer.
05 -
Sprinkle shredded cheddar (and optional mozzarella) evenly over the potatoes. Top with crumbled bacon for maximum flavor distribution.
06 -
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and casserole is bubbling. The internal temperature should reach at least 71°C (160°F).
07 -
Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh chives and serving to enhance flavor and ease slicing.
# Extra Cooking Tips:
01 -
Letting the casserole rest after baking ensures clean slices and allows flavors to meld for optimal taste.
02 -
For added depth, consider layering a portion of the cheese between the meat and potatoes.
03 -
Using a blend of cheddar and mozzarella delivers both sharpness and meltability.