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To make Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole, you will need: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 egg, beaten - 1/4 cup milk - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots) - 1/2 cup ketchup You can easily swap some ingredients for others. Use ground turkey instead of ground beef. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free breadcrumbs. If you want more veggies, add chopped zucchini or mushrooms. You can use any cheese you love, like mozzarella or pepper jack. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, try soy sauce for a similar flavor. This dish may not suit everyone. It contains meat and dairy, so it’s not vegan. If you're lactose intolerant, use dairy-free cheese. For low-carb diets, skip the breadcrumbs and add more veggies instead. Always check for allergens in canned goods, like tomatoes, to ensure safe eating. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You need ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, add the ground beef and breadcrumbs first. Then, chop the onion and bell pepper finely. Add them to the bowl along with the minced garlic. Next, crack the egg into the bowl. Pour in the milk and Worcestershire sauce. Add salt and pepper too. Use your hands to mix everything well. You want it to feel sticky but not too wet. Finally, fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese gently. Now, grab a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish. Make sure it covers the entire bottom. Next, open the can of diced tomatoes and spread them over the meat mixture. This adds great flavor. Sprinkle the frozen mixed vegetables on top of the tomatoes. They add color and nutrition. Now, take the ketchup and spread it over the top of the casserole. This gives it a nice glaze. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over everything. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Check that the meat is cooked through. The cheese should be bubbly and golden brown. Once done, take it out of the oven. Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve slices on plates and add fresh parsley for garnish. Pair it with a side salad for a colorful meal. Enjoy your cheesy meatloaf casserole! To get great flavor in your Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole, use fresh ingredients. Fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, can add a nice touch. The Worcestershire sauce brings a deep umami taste. Mix everything well to blend the flavors. Letting the meat mixture sit for a few minutes allows the flavors to deepen. To get cheese that melts well, use shredded cheddar cheese. Shredding yourself will help it melt evenly. Adding cheese in layers, like in the casserole, ensures that every bite has cheesy goodness. Bake the casserole until the cheese bubbles and turns golden. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Ovens can cook unevenly, so check your casserole often. If your oven runs hot, start checking it a bit early. If it’s cooler, it may need a few more minutes. A meat thermometer can help. The meat should reach 160°F for safety. Adjust your cooking time based on how your oven performs. Pro Tips Use lean ground beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and moisture without excessive grease, ensuring a well-textured meatloaf casserole. Customize your veggies: Feel free to substitute or add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to enhance flavor and nutrition in your casserole. Rest before slicing: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier without falling apart. Experiment with cheese: Try different cheese varieties, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique twist on the classic cheddar flavor in your casserole. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this cheesy casserole. Replace the ground beef with a mix of beans, lentils, or a meat alternative. Black beans work well here. Use 1 can of drained black beans or 1 cup of cooked lentils. It adds protein and texture. You can also add sautéed mushrooms for a hearty touch. For the cheese, stick with shredded cheddar or try a dairy-free cheese for a plant-based option. If you love spice, add some heat to your dish. Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of chili powder or cayenne pepper into the meat mixture. You can also use spicy diced tomatoes instead of regular ones. If you want more flavor, add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Finish with a sprinkle of pepper jack cheese on top for an extra kick! Don’t hesitate to mix up the veggies in your casserole. You can add chopped spinach, zucchini, or even broccoli. Just make sure to chop them small so they cook well. Use 1-2 cups of your favorite frozen or fresh vegetables. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds color and flavor. Experiment with different combinations to keep it fresh and exciting! To store leftover casserole, let it cool first. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. You can also use a lid if your dish has one. Place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, just take it out and prepare to warm it up. You can freeze the casserole for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until it is warm throughout. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just warm it for a few minutes, stirring often for even heat. Enjoy your tasty leftovers! Yes, you can make Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole ahead. Prepare it and store it in the fridge. Cover it tightly to keep it fresh. You can bake it later. This dish tastes great the next day! If you want a substitute for ground beef, try ground turkey or chicken. Both options are leaner. You can also use plant-based meat for a vegetarian version. Just ensure the flavor stays rich. To know if the casserole is done, check the meat's temperature. It should reach 160°F (70°C). The cheese should be bubbly and golden too. If the meat is cooked and cheese is melted, it’s ready! To wrap it up, we explored how to make a delicious cheesy casserole. We covered the key ingredients and offered smart substitutions. You now know how to prepare, bake, and serve it perfectly. I shared tips for great flavor and noted how to adjust cooking times. If you want to mix it up, try the vegetarian or spicy options. Remember how to store extras for later. Enjoy making this tasty dish that suits your needs!

Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole

A hearty and cheesy meatloaf casserole that's perfect for family dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, green bell pepper, minced garlic, beaten egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
  • Gently fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture.
  • Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Evenly distribute the canned diced tomatoes over the meat mixture.
  • Sprinkle the frozen mixed vegetables on top of the tomatoes.
  • Spread the ketchup evenly across the top of the casserole.
  • Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

Serve slices of the casserole on individual plates, garnished with fresh parsley. Add a side salad for contrast and color.
Keyword casserole, cheesy, meatloaf