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I turned classic meatloaf into the ultimate family-friendly Meatloaf Casserole! The secret? A layer of creamy mashed potatoes on top that keeps it extra juicy and flavorful.
Meatloaf Casserole: Like the Classic, But Better
- Budget Friendly: My recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients for a meal that will fill your whole family up, but without any extra cost.
- Perfect for Families: With meat and mashed potatoes, this dish is a hit with kids, so no worries about picky eaters!
- Easier to Make: No shaping or slicing needed—just layer, bake, and serve!
Ingredients Needed
- Mashed Potatoes: I highly recommend homemade mashed potatoes, but if you’re short on time, store bought works too!
- Vegetables: I love adding some frozen veggies to my meatloaf casserole. Add 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots to the meat. It’s an easy way to up your veggie game!
How to Make Meatloaf Casserole
Making this meatloaf casserole recipe is so simple! With just a few easy steps, you’ll have this ready to pop in the oven or save to bake later!
- Combine: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Then spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. In a large mixing bowl combine ground beef, diced onion, chopped parsley, Italian breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar. Then, add the glaze to the meat mixture and stir to combine.
- Add to Pan: Press the meat and glaze mixture in an even layer into the prepared baking dish.
- Top and Bake: Spread store-bought or homemade mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture. Then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 50-60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake the meatloaf casserole for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Storage and Reheating Leftovers
If you’re looking to meal prep, make a batch at the start of the week. Then you’ll have easy lunches and dinners throughout the week.
- In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Reheat portions of this meatloaf casserole in the microwave until warmed through!
- Make Ahead: You can make the entire casserole in advance. Simply cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days before baking and serving.
More Easy Casserole Recipes
Casseroles are the best comfort food! Check out my complete list of casserole recipes. Leave a comment to let me know which ones are your favorite!
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Meatloaf Casserole
I turned classic meatloaf into the ultimate family-friendly casserole! The secret? A layer of creamy mashed potatoes on top that keeps it extra juicy and flavorful.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- ¾ cup Italian bread crumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
Potatoes
- 4 cups store-bought or Homemade mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl combine 2 pounds lean ground beef, ½ cup diced onion, 3 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, ¾ cup Italian bread crumbs,½ cup milk, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt , and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Use clean hands to mix well.
- In a small bowl, whisk ¾ cup ketchup, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, and 3 tablespoons brown sugar.
- Add the glaze mixture into the meat mixture and mix to combine.
- Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread 4 cups store-bought or Homemade mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture. Top with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Nutrition
Calories: 591kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 46gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 177mgSodium: 1041mgPotassium: 1249mgFiber: 4gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 673IUVitamin C: 38mgCalcium: 244mgIron: 6mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!
Basically the same think as a Shepard’s Pie or Cottage Pie mom use to make, “minus the veggies” Right????
Hey Louis, it is very similar yes! Typically with shepherds pie you cook the meat before combining it with the mashed potatoes. With this meatloaf casserole recipe, you cook the meat with the potatoes on top. It keeps the meat very moist and delicious. You should give it a try! Add veggies if you want! Let me know what you think!