Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole

$- 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced The main ingredients are key to the flavor of the casserole. I use ground beef for its rich taste. Breadcrumbs help bind everything together. The onion and garlic add a nice depth of flavor. - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup green bell pepper, diced - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned) Worcestershire sauce gives a savory kick. Italian seasoning brings in great herbs. The cheddar cheese melts beautifully and creates a creamy layer. Marinara sauce adds moisture and tang. Diced bell pepper and corn add color and texture. - Fresh parsley Fresh parsley is a nice touch. It adds color and a hint of freshness. Just chop a bit and sprinkle it on before serving. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps the meatloaf cook evenly. Preheating is key to a great bake. In a large bowl, mix together the following ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 egg - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste Use your hands or a spoon to blend everything well. It should be thick but not dry. Once mixed, transfer the meatloaf mixture into an 8x8 inch baking dish. Press it flat across the bottom. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This step locks in the flavors. After 25 minutes, take the dish out. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the meatloaf. Next, sprinkle on: - 1 cup diced green bell pepper - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned) This adds color and taste to your dish. Now, it’s time for the fun part! Top the casserole with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure to spread the cheese evenly. This helps every bite be cheesy and delicious. Return the casserole to the oven. Bake for another 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy the rich aroma filling your kitchen! To keep your meatloaf from drying out, use lean ground beef. Mix in breadcrumbs to add moisture. Onions and garlic also help bring flavor and juiciness. Be sure to mix everything well but avoid overworking the meat. This keeps the texture tender. Use a timer to bake it for 25 minutes. This gives you a nice base before adding other layers. Choosing the right cheese is key to a great cheesy meatloaf casserole. I recommend sharp cheddar cheese for its rich flavor and great melt. Mozzarella also works well if you want a stretchy texture. Feel free to mix cheeses for more depth. Just ensure they melt nicely for that gooey finish. Pair your casserole with fresh sides to balance the richness. A simple green salad with vinaigrette adds a nice crunch. Roasted vegetables also complement the dish well. Mashed potatoes can make the meal more filling. Choose sides that brighten the plate and enhance the flavors. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality ground beef for the best flavor and texture in your casserole. Add Extra Cheese: For an even cheesier dish, consider adding a layer of mozzarella cheese along with the cheddar for a melty, gooey topping. Mix It Up: Feel free to customize the vegetables! Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can be great additions for extra nutrition and flavor. Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps it set up and makes serving easier. {{image_2}} You can use ground turkey instead of beef. It makes a lighter dish. For a plant-based option, try lentils or chickpeas. They add good protein and flavor. Just mash them well with your other ingredients. You still get that tasty meatloaf vibe, but it’s healthier! Love heat? Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. This brings a nice kick to the dish. You can also mix in some cayenne or chili powder. Adjust the heat to your liking, but remember, a little goes a long way! Switch up the sauces to change the flavor. Use barbecue sauce for a sweet twist. Or try a spicy marinara for extra zest. Experiment with different seasoning blends like taco or curry powder. Each option can make your casserole taste brand new! To store your Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole, wait until it cools. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Always label it with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored. To reheat, take out the portion you want. Place it in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it on medium power for 1 to 2 minutes. Check if it’s warm all the way through. If you prefer the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 15 minutes. This keeps the cheese melty and delicious. You can freeze the casserole if you want to save it for later. Cut it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer bag. Make sure to label the bags with the date. When you’re ready to eat, take a piece out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can reheat it once it’s thawed. This way, you enjoy a homemade meal anytime. Yes, you can! Feel free to switch up the cheese. Here are some tasty options: - Monterey Jack - Mozzarella - Gouda - Pepper Jack for a kick Each cheese brings a unique flavor. Experiment and find your favorite! Look for a few clear signs: - The cheese should be melted and bubbly. - The edges may turn golden brown. - A meat thermometer should read 160°F (70°C) in the center. Trust your eyes and the thermometer for the best result! Absolutely! Here are some tips: - Mix the meatloaf and layer everything in the dish. - Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the time. This makes meal time easy and stress-free! This blog post guides you through making a delicious meatloaf casserole. We discussed the key ingredients like ground beef, garlic, and cheese. I provided step-by-step instructions, from preheating the oven to layering with marinara. We also explored tips to make it perfect and various ways to customize the dish. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and techniques. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, this casserole will impress everyone. Embrace your creativity in the kitchen and have fun making it your own!$

Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole

A hearty and cheesy meatloaf casserole layered with marinara sauce and vegetables.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup green bell pepper, diced
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Transfer the meat mixture to an 8x8 inch baking dish, pressing it evenly across the bottom. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the cooked meatloaf layer. Sprinkle the diced bell pepper and corn kernels over the sauce.
Top everything with the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving for better slicing.

Keyword beef, casserole, cheesy, meatloaf