This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a warm and hearty dish packed with juicy meat and tasty veggies. It’s topped with melted cheese, making it super comforting and satisfying!
Who can resist that gooey cheese on top? I love serving it with some crusty bread for dipping. It’s the perfect meal to make after a long day—just toss it in the oven and relax!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A blend of beef and pork gives extra flavor and moisture. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works too, though it may be slightly drier. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a meat substitute.
Vegetables: I suggest using a mix of carrots, peas, corn, and green beans. Feel free to swap in your favorites, like bell peppers or zucchini. Frozen veggies are a great time-saver and work perfectly in this casserole!
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are my go-to choices for their melting qualities. If you’re looking for a sharper taste, try using pepper jack or a mix of gouda. Nutritional yeast is a nice alternative for a dairy-free version.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs are fine, but panko adds extra crunch. If you’re gluten-free, crushed gluten-free crackers or oats can make good substitutes.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Veggies for This Casserole?
Preparing veggies before adding them to the casserole ensures they’re cooked perfectly and enhance the flavors. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Include your mixed veggies and cook for another 4-5 minutes. This step helps release their flavors and ensures they’re not raw when baked.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly before adding to your meat mixture!
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as diced carrots, peas, corn, and green beans)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup, plus extra for topping
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or oregano and basil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing veggies)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 45-55 minutes to bake, making it around 1 hour total. You’ll spend a little time mixing and layering, and then just let it bake while you enjoy some downtime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grease a 9×9 inch casserole dish lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a medium skillet, pour in the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. Then, toss in your mixed vegetables and continue to cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re tender. Once done, remove them from the heat.
3. Mix the Meat Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed veggies, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, 1/4 cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Mix everything gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make your meatloaf tough!
4. Layering in the Casserole:
Spread half of the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese over that layer. Follow it by spreading the rest of the meat mixture on top of the cheese layer.
5. Sauce and Cheese on Top:
Drizzle a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the casserole for added flavor (and a nice glaze). Then, finish it off by sprinkling the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly on top. Yum!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Put your casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for about 45-55 minutes. You know it’s done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the internal temperature of the meat reaches 160°F (71°C). Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook!
7. Rest and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This lets the flavors settle and makes serving easier. You can garnish with some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color, if you like. Serve warm and enjoy!
This cheesy casserole pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a refreshing salad. Enjoy your meal!
FAQs for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Veggies
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef for a leaner option. Just note that it may result in a slightly drier casserole, so adding a bit more ketchup or moisture can help keep it juicy.
How Can I Make This Casserole Gluten-Free?
For a gluten-free version, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. You can also use oats as a binder instead of breadcrumbs!
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. You may need to increase the baking time slightly if it’s cold from the fridge.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in an oven at 350°F (180°C) until heated through. Add a splash of milk or a sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating to keep it moist!