This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is like a warm hug in a dish! Filled with yummy ground meat, tasty cheese, and colorful veggies, it’s a family favorite.
Honestly, who can resist that cheesy top? I love sneaking extra veggies in here, and my kids never suspect a thing! It’s easy to make, and everyone leaves the table happy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The base of your casserole! Ground beef gives it great flavor, but you can mix in some ground pork for a bit more richness. Ground turkey or chicken is a healthier option, too, if you’re looking to lighten it up.
Breadcrumbs: I use plain breadcrumbs, but Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs add extra flavor! If you prefer gluten-free, try almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers instead.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices for that melty goodness. You could swap in your favorite cheese, like gouda or Monterey Jack, to change things up a bit.
Vegetables: I love using zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers for color and nutrients. Feel free to mix and match with whatever veggies you have on hand, like mushrooms or spinach.
How Do You Get the Perfect Meatloaf Texture?
The key to a great meatloaf texture is balancing moisture and structure. Mixing breadcrumbs with milk helps the meatloaf stay moist. Don’t skip the egg; it acts as a binder to hold everything together.
- Make sure not to over-mix the meat mixture—just combine until ingredients are blended.
- Letting the sautéed veggies cool slightly is important to prevent them from cooking the meat when mixed.
Following these tips will give you a tender and flavorful meatloaf casserole that everyone will love!
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 cup diced zucchini or summer squash
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce or marinara
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for sautéing vegetables)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 20 minutes to prepare and then 45-55 minutes to bake. In total, you can expect about an hour and a half from start to finish, allowing for a delicious family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, you can get everything else ready. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep your casserole from sticking.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a medium skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the veggies are softened and fragrant. Take the skillet off the heat and let it cool for a minute.
3. Mix Your Meat:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until fully combined—it’s okay if it’s a little messy!
4. Combine with Veggies and Cheese:
Add half of the sautéed vegetables and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the meat mixture. Gently mix to combine evenly. This will give your meatloaf even more flavor and nutrition!
5. Form the Casserole:
Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing it out evenly across the bottom. You want it nice and even, so every slice will be perfect!
6. Add Tomato Sauce:
Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the meatloaf layer. This adds moisture and flavor, plus it helps keep everything juicy while it bakes.
7. Top with Remaining Veggies:
Sprinkle the remaining sautéed vegetables over the tomato sauce. This adds color and texture—yum!
8. Cheese It Up:
Now it’s time to add the best part! Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Be generous; we want that cheesy goodness!
9. Bake Away:
Pop the casserole in the oven (uncovered) and bake for 45-55 minutes. You’re looking for the meat to be fully cooked (it should reach an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C) and the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown.
10. Let It Rest:
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything set up a bit before serving.
11. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and flavor. Now you’re ready to serve warm and enjoy this delicious, comforting meal!
This casserole combines hearty meatloaf flavors with the cheesiness and nutrition of plenty of vegetables, making it perfect for a comforting family meal!
FAQ for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Veggies
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just keep in mind it may be a bit drier, so consider adding a splash more milk or a bit of olive oil to keep it moist while cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then cook as directed. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s still a bit frozen.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
The beauty of this casserole is its versatility! Feel free to substitute or add any of your favorite vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even corn. Just make sure to keep the total volume similar to avoid overloading the meat mixture.
