There’s just something so comforting about a casserole, isn’t there? It feels like a warm hug on a plate! If you’re looking for a family favorite that hits the spot every time, you’ve got to try this easy loaded meatloaf casserole for a family favorite dinner. It’s simple to whip up and packed with delicious flavors that everyone will love. The best part? It comes together in no time, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to feed the crew without a fuss. Trust me, once you serve this hearty dish, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather everything we need for this delicious loaded meatloaf casserole. You’ll want to make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- 1 lb ground beef – I prefer lean beef for a healthier option, but whatever you have works!
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – This helps bind everything together and gives it that comforting texture.
- 1/2 cup milk – A little moisture goes a long way, trust me!
- 1/2 cup ketchup – This adds a nice sweetness and tang, perfect for meatloaf.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese – I love using cheddar, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
- 1 onion, chopped – It adds great flavor; you can even use green onions for a twist!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic makes everything better, right?
- 1 tsp salt – Just the right amount to enhance all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp pepper – A touch of spice is always welcome.
- 2 eggs – They act as a binder and help keep everything together.
Having all these ingredients prepped and ready will make the cooking process a breeze. So, let’s get this party started!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Mix
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and toasty for our delicious casserole! While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and start combining all those amazing ingredients. Toss in the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, shredded cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and eggs. Now, here’s the key: mix everything thoroughly! I like to use my hands for this part—it’s messy, but it really gets everything well combined and ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Don’t be shy; get in there and squish it all together!
Shape and Bake
Once your mixture is all mixed up and ready to go, it’s time to transfer it to a baking dish. I usually opt for a 9×13 inch dish, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf right in the dish. If you’re feeling a little extra, spread some additional ketchup on top for a beautiful glaze as it bakes! Now, slide it into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when it’s cooked through and the top is slightly caramelized—yum!
Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your meatloaf casserole rest for about 10 minutes before you dive in. This resting period is crucial, as it allows the juices to settle, making it easier to slice without falling apart. Speaking of serving, I usually cut the casserole into generous slices—about six servings should do it. You can pair each slice with some creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Tips for Success
To ensure your easy loaded meatloaf casserole turns out absolutely delicious, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t hesitate to customize the ingredients. You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option. Also, feel free to mix in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños into the mix!
Another helpful hint: make sure to pack the meat mixture firmly into the baking dish to keep it from falling apart while slicing. And remember, every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes. If you notice it browning too quickly, simply cover it with foil for the last 15 minutes. You’ll be well on your way to a flavorful family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation – Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy nights!
- Family-friendly – Everyone loves meatloaf, and this casserole version is no exception.
- Flavorful – Packed with delicious ingredients that make every bite mouthwatering.
- Easy cleanup – One dish means less mess and more time to relax after dinner.
- Customizable – You can easily add your favorite veggies or swap proteins to suit your taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your easy loaded meatloaf casserole, you might have some leftovers, and that’s fantastic because they taste just as good the next day! To store, simply let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without a hitch.
When it’s time to reheat, you have a couple of options! The best way is to pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for about 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to overheat it or it might dry out. Either way, you’ll be in for a tasty treat that brings back all those comforting flavors—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a slice of this easy loaded meatloaf casserole. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, with 12 grams of fat and 18 grams of protein—perfect for a hearty meal! You’ll also find about 20 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of sugar. Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, whether you’re watching your macros or just enjoying a satisfying dinner, this casserole fits the bill!
FAQ Section
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this easy loaded meatloaf casserole is its flexibility. You can definitely sneak in some veggies to boost the nutrition and flavor. I love adding chopped bell peppers, grated carrots, or even spinach. Just be sure to chop them finely so they blend well into the meat mixture. It’s a great way to get the kids eating their veggies without them even noticing!
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers from this casserole are a dream come true! You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep it tightly covered to maintain freshness. Trust me, it tastes just as good—if not better—the next day when all those flavors have had time to meld together!
Can this be made ahead of time?
You bet! This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the meat mixture, shape it into a loaf, and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Just pop it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it as directed. It’s such a lifesaver for those hectic weeknights when you want a hearty meal without the last-minute rush!
Imprimer
Try This Easy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole for Family Bliss
- Temps Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
Try this easy loaded meatloaf casserole for a family favorite dinner.
Ingrédients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, cheese, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and eggs.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and shape it into a loaf.
- Spread additional ketchup on top if desired.
- Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes or a side salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the mix.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 1 hour
- Catégorie: Dinner
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 450mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 18g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: loaded meatloaf casserole, family dinner, easy casserole
