This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a fun and hearty dish packed with ground meat, veggies, and a gooey layer of cheese. It’s comfort food at its best!
Honestly, who can resist a dish that combines meatloaf and cheesy goodness? I love to add different veggies based on what I have. It makes every bite tasty and colorful!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using a mix of ground beef and pork for extra flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken work well too! Just note that the texture might differ slightly.
Vegetables: You can swap out the zucchini for shredded carrots or spinach if you prefer. Frozen mixed veggies are also a great time-saver. Just make sure to thaw them first!
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are my favorites for that perfect cheesy pull. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda if you want to change things up.
Breadcrumbs: If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. Oats can also work in a pinch, giving a nice texture.
How Do I Make the Meatloaf Mixture Without Overworking It?
Mixing the meatloaf without overworking it is key to keeping your casserole tender. Here’s how to do it right!
- Start by combining your dry ingredients (breadcrumbs, spices) in one bowl.
- Add the beaten eggs, milk, and Worcestershire sauce to this mix, and stir until combined.
- Now, add in your ground meat. Use your hands or a spatula to mix gently—just until everything is combined. Think of it like folding, not kneading!
This will help keep your meatloaf nice and moist!
What’s the Best Way to Layer the Casserole?
Layering the casserole is important for even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Start by pressing half of the meat mixture into the bottom of the greased dish—make it as flat as possible.
- Next, sprinkle on your cheese layer, making sure to cover the meat evenly—this helps with melty goodness!
- Cover with the rest of the meat mixture. Press it down gently to seal everything that deliciousness in!
This method ensures every bite has a balance of meat, veggies, and cheese. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf Base:
- 1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup (for topping)
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 1 hour to bake, totaling around 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s super easy, and the smell while it cooks is absolutely delightful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with some olive oil or cooking spray so nothing sticks!
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, zucchini, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the veggies are nice and softened. Once done, remove from heat and let them cool for a few minutes.
3. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed vegetables, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a large spoon to mix gently—just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overwork it, as this can make the meat tough!
4. Layering the Casserole:
Spread half of the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased casserole dish. This will be the base layer. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the meat. Take the remaining meat mixture and spread it on top to cover the cheese layer.
5. Adding the Sauce:
Now, pour the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce evenly over the top layer of meatloaf, ensuring it’s well covered. Finally, drizzle ketchup over that for a delicious glaze!
6. Bake the Casserole:
Cover your casserole with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the meatloaf is fully cooked (it should reach an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C) and the top is slightly caramelized.
7. Final Touches:
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving—this helps it set up a bit. If you want, garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color!
Enjoy your hearty, cheesy, veggie-packed meatloaf casserole! It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or a mix of beef and pork for added flavor. Just remember that cooking times might vary slightly if you choose a leaner meat.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground meat for lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based meat substitute. You can also add in extra veggies or grains like quinoa to bulk it up and maintain texture.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add in extra veggies like carrots, mushrooms, or spinach. Just make sure to sauté any additional vegetables beforehand to reduce moisture and enhance their flavors!
