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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Spread the meat mixture across the bottom of the dish, creating a uniform layer that covers the entire base with equal thickness.
- Chop potatoes, carrots, and broccoli into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Strategically arrange vegetable pieces around the meat layer, ensuring they are distributed evenly and will cook simultaneously.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even cooking of both meat and vegetables.
- Roast in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for approximately 40 minutes, allowing the meat to cook thoroughly and vegetables to soften.
- Remove foil and generously sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese across the surface, creating a rich, melty topping.
- Optional: Drizzle ketchup over the cheese for additional flavor and visual appeal.
- 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.
- 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