Irresistible Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Vegetables Recipe

My latest culinary adventure features a hearty cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole with vegetables that promises comfort in every delightful bite.

Comfort food enthusiasts will adore this luxurious twist on a classic dish.

Packed with savory meat, melted cheese, and colorful vegetables, this recipe delivers incredible flavor and nutrition.

Each forkful combines rich protein with crisp, tender veggies for a balanced meal.

Unexpected ingredients elevate this traditional favorite beyond ordinary expectations.

Careful layering ensures maximum taste in each mouthwatering serving.

You won’t be able to resist trying this irresistible recipe that turns dinner into a celebration of home cooking.

Loaded Meatloaf With Veggies and Cheese in Every Bite

• Transform Weeknight Dinners: Make this crowd-pleasing meatloaf casserole that brings excitement to the table.
• Family-Friendly Nutrition Boost: Pack vegetables directly into the meatloaf, creating a balanced meal that sneaks healthy ingredients past picky eaters while delivering delicious flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables based on seasonal availability or family preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different tastes and dietary needs.

Meatloaf Casserole with Vegetables Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty meat foundation for the casserole, best with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold the meatloaf together, provides structure.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a savory meat mixture.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb moisture and create a tender meatloaf texture.
• Milk: Softens breadcrumbs and adds moisture to prevent dry meatloaf.
• Onion: Provides aromatic base and subtle sweetness to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent flavor to enhance overall taste.
• Oregano, Basil: Classic herbs that bring Mediterranean-inspired seasoning.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor profile.

• Potatoes: Hearty vegetable that adds substance and complements the meat.
• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and additional nutrition.
• Broccoli: Provides green color and nutritional boost.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty topping with rich flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds stretchy, mild cheese layer.
• Ketchup (Optional): Tangy condiment for extra flavor dimension.

Meatloaf with Veggies Bake Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Base

• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Oregano
• Basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they’re perfectly blended and create a consistent texture.

Step 2: Create the Casserole Foundation

Press the meat mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to form a solid base that will hold all the delicious ingredients together.

Step 3: Add Colorful Vegetable Companions

• Diced potatoes
• Chopped carrots
• Broccoli florets

Distribute the vegetables evenly to ensure every bite has a perfect veggie-meat balance.

Step 4: Initial Baking Session

Cover the entire casserole with aluminum foil and slide it into an oven preheated to 375°F.

Bake for 40 minutes, allowing the meat and vegetables to cook and develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Cheese Explosion

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Optional: Drizzle ketchup on top for an extra tangy kick.

Step 6: Final Bake and Melt

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to become gloriously melted and bubbly, with vegetables turning tender and delicious.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.

Cut into generous portions and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Easy Bake Tips for Loaded Meatloaf Casseroles

• Add Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to enhance the umami taste and depth of the ground beef mixture.
• Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Let the cheese sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before sprinkling to help it melt more evenly and create a smoother top layer.
• Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to make the recipe more keto-friendly and reduce carbohydrate content.
• Assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to ensure even heating.

Storing Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Store leftover meatloaf casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, preserving quality for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm individual portions at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Heat single servings on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming and prevent cold spots.

Hearty Sides for Meatloaf Casserole

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole. The wine's tannins will balance the cheese and cut through the dish's richness.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting thick slices of sourdough bread with garlic butter. The crispy, aromatic bread will soak up the delicious meat juices and add textural contrast.
• Refresh with Crisp Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette featuring lemon and herbs. The salad's acidity and freshness will provide a bright counterpoint to the hearty, cheesy casserole.
• Complement with Roasted Asparagus: Quickly roast asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper. These tender, slightly charred vegetables will enhance the dish's vegetable medley and add an elegant touch.

Meatloaf Casserole with Veggies Dinner Options

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrate content while maintaining the hearty comfort of the original dish.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, using mushrooms and quinoa to create a protein-packed vegetarian meatloaf casserole with similar texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the same delicious meal without compromising taste.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate feta cheese, swap oregano for za'atar spice blend, and add diced zucchini and bell peppers to give the casserole a Mediterranean-inspired transformation with vibrant flavors and nutritional variety.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just ensure it has enough fat content to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour, rolled oats, or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the right texture.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work perfectly! Use about 1/3 of the amount of fresh herbs called for in the recipe. For example, if the recipe asks for 1 tablespoon fresh basil, use 1 teaspoon dried basil.

• Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to include zucchini, bell peppers, or cauliflower. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Vegetables Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets creativity in this hearty Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Vegetables, blending classic home cooking with modern flavor twists. Savory ground beef, melted cheese, and roasted vegetables create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (300 grams) baby potatoes, diced
• 1 cup (130 grams) carrots, sliced
• 1 cup (100 grams) broccoli florets

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup (optional for topping)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, egg, minced onion, crushed garlic, and dried herbs until ingredients are evenly distributed with a consistent texture.
2. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
3. Spread the meat mixture across the bottom of the dish, creating a uniform layer that covers the entire base with equal thickness.
4. Chop potatoes, carrots, and broccoli into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
5. Strategically arrange vegetable pieces around the meat layer, ensuring they are distributed evenly and will cook simultaneously.
6. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even cooking of both meat and vegetables.
7. Roast in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for approximately 40 minutes, allowing the meat to cook thoroughly and vegetables to soften.
8. Remove foil and generously sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese across the surface, creating a rich, melty topping.
9. Optional: Drizzle ketchup over the cheese for additional flavor and visual appeal.
10. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust and vegetables reach desired tenderness.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes, enabling flavors to meld and making serving easier.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish while maintaining rich flavor.
• Swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Prep vegetables in similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Drain excess liquid from vegetables before adding to prevent the dish from becoming watery and maintain a perfect consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 487
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 91 mg