If you’re in the mood for a hearty, cheesy, and comforting meal, this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Vegetables is exactly what you need! Perfect for any weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish combines savory ground beef with a medley of vegetables, gooey melted cheese, and crispy bacon all baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, one-pan wonder that’s guaranteed to please the whole family. Let’s dive into what makes this casserole so irresistibly delicious.
What’s in Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Vegetables?
The ingredients in this recipe are the perfect combination of flavor and nutrition, making for a satisfying and delicious meal that will fill you up and keep you coming back for more.
- Ground Beef: This is the main protein source for the casserole, adding richness and heartiness. I recommend using lean ground beef for a healthier option while keeping all the flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: These little bits provide structure and a bit of texture to the casserole, ensuring everything holds together perfectly.
- Onion: The base of any great recipe! Onion gives this casserole its sweet and savory depth of flavor, which melds beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Green Bell Pepper: A pop of color and crunch, these peppers are rich in vitamin C and bring a fresh, slightly sweet taste to the dish.
- Carrot: Grated carrots add a slight sweetness and moisture to the casserole, as well as an extra serving of veggies!
- Garlic: This aromatic ingredient gives the casserole a fragrant punch and infuses the meat mixture with wonderful flavor.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and moisture, helping to keep the casserole tender as it bakes.
- Egg: A must for binding all the ingredients together to create perfect slices.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash adds that beloved umami flavor, making the casserole rich and savory.
- Dijon Mustard: A surprise ingredient that brightens up the whole dish with its tangy flavor, cutting through the richness of the meat and cheese.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning, enhancing all the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Melted cheese forms a golden, gooey top layer that makes this casserole extra indulgent.
- Bacon: Crumbled crispy bacon adds a savory crunch and a smoky flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Marinara Sauce: Adds moisture and a rich, tomatoey depth, keeping the casserole perfectly juicy.
- Fresh Parsley: Garnish with parsley to add a pop of green and a fresh finish to this comforting casserole.
Is Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Vegetables Healthy?
While comfort food often gets a bad rap, this casserole strikes a nice balance between indulgence and nutrition. The lean ground beef provides essential protein and iron, while the vegetables (like bell peppers, carrots, and onions) deliver vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Bacon adds flavor and protein in moderation, but if you prefer a lighter version, you could reduce the bacon or substitute it with a leaner meat option like turkey bacon. The key is moderation, so pair the casserole with a side salad or roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal.
Ingredients List:
- 1 pound ground beef (lean preferred)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup carrot, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (or tomato sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
This recipe serves about 6 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or delicious leftovers throughout the week!
How to Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Vegetables:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will help the casserole bake evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, green bell pepper, carrot, garlic, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and press half of the meat mixture into an even layer at the bottom of the dish.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce over the meat layer. This adds a delicious tomato flavor to the casserole.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon on top of the marinara sauce. The cheese and bacon will melt together to create a gooey, savory topping.
- Add the remaining meat mixture on top of the cheese and bacon layer, pressing it down gently.
- Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the top, followed by the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining bacon on top for an extra crunch.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Patience makes for the best results!
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a touch of color and freshness before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
If you’re feeling creative, try switching up the vegetables based on what you have in the fridge. Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms would make great additions to the casserole. If you like a bit of tang, mix in your favorite barbecue sauce with the marinara for an added layer of flavor.
Serve this casserole with a light side salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. And of course, don’t forget to enjoy the leftovers – this casserole tastes even better the next day!
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Vegetables is comfort food at its finest, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every bite!
