Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish: **Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Vegetables**! Honestly, I could eat this every week and still look forward to it. It’s not just a casserole; it’s a hug in a baking dish! I remember the first time I made it for a potluck. I was nervous, thinking everyone would judge my culinary skills, but when the aroma filled the kitchen, my friends started gathering, and soon enough, the whole thing vanished before my eyes—poof! Just like magic!
What makes this dish truly special to me is the blend of flavors and textures, from the savory meat and cheese to those delightful little pops of veggies. Every bite feels like an unmistakable comfort food typical of Sunday dinners with family. The best part? It’s pretty simple to whip up! Let’s jump right into it!
What’s in Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Vegetables?
Now, let’s take a look at the star players in this delicious recipe:
Ground Beef: The backbone of this casserole. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and fills you right up. I like to use lean ground beef to keep it on the healthier side without sacrificing taste.
Breadcrumbs: These little nuggets of joy work their magic to bind everything together and give the casserole a nice, hearty texture. I usually use plain ones, but if you’re feeling adventurous, give the Italian-flavored variety a go!
Onion: A must-have for flavor! It brings a sweet and savory depth. Go for the finely chopped variety to ensure it melds well into the meat mixture.
Green Bell Pepper: A pop of color and crunch! Plus, they’re super healthy, packing nutrients and fiber. You can easily swap this for red or yellow peppers for a slight sweetness.
Carrot: I’m always looking for sneaky ways to get more veggies into meals, and grated carrots are perfect for that! They add moisture and a hint of sweetness.
Garlic: Because everything’s better with garlic, right? It gives the casserole that identifiable punch of flavor that’ll have your neighbors peeking over the fence.
Milk: A little creaminess to combine everything together and keep it moist as it bakes.
Egg: An essential binding agent, helping everything hold together for those perfect slices!
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash makes everything better! It’s packed with umami flavor to elevate our dish.
Dijon Mustard: You might be surprised, but this adds a nice tang that brightens up the whole casserole. Trust me on this one!
Salt and Black Pepper: Because what’s cooking without a little seasoning to enhance all those beautiful flavors?
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Oh yes, the gooey goodness! It melts perfectly and creates a lovely cheesy crust on top.
Bacon: I mean… need I say more? Crispy, savory bacon crumbles add that extra deliciousness and a satisfying crunch!
Marinara Sauce: This is a game-changer. It keeps the casserole moist and adds a rich flavor profile—plus, who doesn’t love a little tomatoey goodness?
Fresh Parsley: A bit of green garnish, because we want our meal to look as good as it tastes!
Is Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Vegetables Good for You?
You bet it is! While comfort food sometimes gets a bad rap, this casserole offers its fair share of nutritious ingredients.
Ground Beef: Provides a great source of protein and iron, which is essential for energy and muscle function, but I’d recommend choosing a lean option to keep it heart-healthy.
Bell Peppers, Carrots, and Onions: These guys are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Plus, the more colorful your meal, the better!
Bacon: Okay, bacon is a treat you want to enjoy in moderation, but it’s another source of protein and flavor—just don’t drown your casserole in it!
For the most part, the veggies work wonders! However, keep an eye on portions, as it can get heavy with all the cheese and meat. Balance is key, so maybe pair it with a light salad or some steamed veggies if you want to keep it healthier.
Ingredients List
– 1 pound ground beef
– 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, perfect for a family dinner or leftovers for the week!
How to Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Vegetables?
1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A warm kitchen is a happy kitchen!
2. In a large mixing bowl, throw together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, green bell pepper, carrot, garlic, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Get those hands messy—mix until it’s all combined!
3. Next, grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and press half of that glorious meat mixture into an even layer—this is going to be the base.
4. Spread half of the marinara sauce over the meat layer. Ahh, it’s beginning to look heavenly!
5. Now sprinkle half of that melted cheddar and half of the bacon over the sauce. Don’t hold back!
6. Gently add the remaining meat mixture on top, pressing lightly to create a second layer.
7. Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over it, followed by the remaining cheddar cheese. This is the part where your heart skips a beat.
8. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the crumbled bacon on top. Go ahead and be generous!
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven for 30 minutes. This is when you can start dreaming about its deliciousness!
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until that cheese becomes bubbly and golden brown—now that’s what we’re here for!
11. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing; patience is a virtue, my friend!
12. Don’t forget to garnish with some freshly chopped parsley just before serving. It’s like a little bow on a perfect present!
Serving Suggestions and Variations to Try
If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to switch up the veggies based on what you have in the fridge. Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms could make delightful additions! Additionally, if you want to pump up the flavor, try mixing in a bit of your favorite barbecue sauce with the marinara.
This casserole pairs beautifully with a light side salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the hearty flavors.
I hope you give this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole a try! It’s comfort food at its finest, and I promise you won’t regret it—it’s sure to become a family favorite! If you do make it, please share your experience. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—happy cooking!
