Description
A hearty and flavorful Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole packed with ground beef, pork, mixed vegetables, and layers of marinara sauce and melted cheese, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or mozzarella)
- Additional shredded cheese for topping (optional)
Other
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for layering)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Combine Meat Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add Vegetables: Fold in the diced bell peppers, chopped onions, and frozen mixed vegetables, distributing them evenly throughout the meat mixture to add flavor and texture.
- Layer Meat Mixture: Grease a loaf pan or casserole dish and spread half of the meat mixture evenly along the bottom of the dish, pressing gently to create a uniform layer.
- First Sauce and Cheese Layer: Spread half of the marinara sauce over the meat layer, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Add Remaining Meat Mixture: Spread the rest of the meat mixture on top of the cheese layer, smoothing it out evenly.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top meat layer and then cover with the remaining shredded cheese. Add extra cheese if desired for an extra cheesy crust.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook through and meld flavors.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving to let it set and make handling easier.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Feel free to use any shredded cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack.
- For added flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil into the meat mixture.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Make sure to thaw frozen mixed vegetables before mixing to prevent excess moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6th of casserole)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: meatloaf casserole, cheesy meatloaf, loaded meatloaf, ground beef casserole, pork meatloaf, family dinner, comfort food, baked meatloaf
