Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food

 Loaded Meatloaf Casserole takes the classic meatloaf recipe to a whole new level of comfort and flavor. This hearty and satisfying dish combines seasoned ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked together in one glorious casserole. It’s a complete meal in a single dish, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience as we dive into this delicious recipe.

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf Layer:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Layer:

• 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared in advance)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Vegetable Layer:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

Prepare the Meatloaf Layer:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. You’re creating the bottom layer of the casserole.

Prepare the Mashed Potato Layer: 4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the prepared mashed potatoes, unsalted butter, milk, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the mashed potatoes are smooth and creamy.

5. Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the meatloaf layer in the baking dish, creating the second layer of the casserole.

Prepare the Vegetable Layer: 6. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

7. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for about 5 minutes or until they are slightly tender. Season with salt and black pepper.
8. Spread the sautéed vegetables evenly over the mashed potato layer, creating the third layer of the casserole.

Prepare the Tomato Sauce: 9. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

10. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the vegetable layer, creating the fourth layer of the casserole.

Bake and Add Cheese: 11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

12. Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
13. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

Serve and Enjoy: 14. Remove the Loaded Meatloaf Casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

15. Cut into squares and serve this ultimate comfort food to your eager diners.

Cook’s Notes:

• You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite vegetables or cheese varieties to the layers.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a delicious second meal.
• This casserole is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and vegetables.

 Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melty cheddar cheese. It’s a complete and satisfying meal in one dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. So, follow this recipe, create your own Loaded Meatloaf Casserole, and savor the layers of comfort and flavor in every bite.