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To make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole, you need some key ingredients. Here's what you'll need: - 1 pound ground beef - ½ pound ground turkey - 1 cup breadcrumbs - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese - ¼ cup milk - ¼ cup ketchup - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup diced bell peppers (assorted colors) - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese These ingredients blend together to create a hearty dish. The mix of ground beef and turkey gives a nice texture. The cheeses add creaminess and flavor. You can take your casserole to the next level with a few garnishes. I love to top it with fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also serve extra ketchup on the side for dipping. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. This adds freshness and crunch to your dinner. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here are some tools I recommend: - Large mixing bowl - 9x13 inch casserole dish - Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing - Measuring cups and spoons - Mixing spoon or spatula - Oven mitts for safety These tools help you mix, bake, and serve your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with ease. Make sure to have them ready before you start cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. Next, grab a large bowl. In this bowl, mix together 1 pound of ground beef and ½ pound of ground turkey. The blend gives a nice flavor and keeps your dish moist. Add 1 cup of breadcrumbs for texture and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a savory kick. Then, pour in ¼ cup of milk and ¼ cup of ketchup. These ingredients bind the meat and add moisture. Crack in 1 large egg. This helps hold everything together. Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder for flavor. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; that can make the meat tough. Finally, fold in 1 cup of diced bell peppers and 1 cup of corn. These add color and crunch. Once your meat mixture is ready, transfer it to the greased casserole dish. Shape the mixture into a loaf. Make sure it is evenly spread in the dish. This allows for even cooking and makes for easy slicing later. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You want the meat to cook through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). After the time is up, take it out and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return the casserole to the oven for another 10 minutes. This will melt the cheese and make it bubbly. After baking, let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices settle, making it easier to slice. To keep your meatloaf casserole moist, mix the ingredients gently. Overmixing can make it dry. Use a mix of ground beef and turkey for better flavor and texture. The egg and milk also help lock in moisture. Adding diced bell peppers and corn adds natural juiciness. Bake it until the internal temperature hits 160°F. For perfectly melted cheese, add it during the last 10 minutes of baking. This helps it melt evenly without burning. Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a tasty top layer. If you want extra browning, broil the casserole for a couple of minutes at the end. Just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Serve slices on a bright platter to make it pop. A drizzle of extra ketchup adds a nice touch. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Pair it with a side salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. You could even serve with crusty bread to soak up any sauce! Pro Tips Choose Your Meats: Mixing ground beef with turkey keeps the meatloaf moist while adding a lighter texture. Feel free to experiment with other ground meats like chicken or pork for different flavors. Don’t Overmix: When combining the meat mixture, mix just until combined to ensure your meatloaf remains tender and does not become tough. Customize the Veggies: Add any vegetables you like, such as zucchini or carrots, to enhance nutrition and flavor. Just make sure they are diced small enough to cook evenly. Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, making for cleaner slices and better flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out the ground beef and turkey for other meats. Try using ground chicken or pork for a different flavor. If you want a plant-based option, use lentils or black beans. These options still give you a hearty texture without meat. Cheese can change the whole dish. Instead of mozzarella, try using gouda or pepper jack for a kick. You can also mix different cheeses. Combine cheddar with fontina for a creamy texture. For toppings, crushed chips or breadcrumbs can add crunch. Just sprinkle them on top before the last bake. Adding veggies boosts flavor and nutrition. Try chopped spinach or mushrooms for depth. You can also add spices like paprika or cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can brighten the dish. Feel free to toss in some olives or jalapeños for extra zing. The key is to balance flavors to match your taste. To keep your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole fresh, let it cool first. Use an airtight container. Cut the casserole into slices for easy storage. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices in a baking dish. Cover with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave slices for 1-2 minutes. Just cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they stay fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead. Prepare the meat mixture and shape it. Then, cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. This makes dinner easy on busy nights. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, try using crushed crackers or oats. Both options add texture and flavor. You can even use panko for a crunchier bite. Just make sure to adjust the amount of milk if needed to keep it moist. The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of the meatloaf. It should read 160°F (70°C) when done. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the meatloaf. The inside should not be pink, and juices should run clear. You’ve learned how to make a Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. We covered key ingredients, easy steps, and useful tips for a moist dish. Variations let you customize flavors, and I showed you how to store leftovers. This dish is fun to make and share. I hope you try it soon! Enjoy every cheesy bite.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole combining ground beef and turkey with cheese and vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 0.5 pound ground turkey
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.25 cup milk
  • 0.25 cup ketchup
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (assorted colors)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • none Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, ketchup, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  • Fold in the diced bell peppers and corn, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.
  • Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared casserole dish, shaping it into a loaf shape.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  • Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve slices with extra ketchup on the side for dipping.
Keyword casserole, cheesy, comfort food, meatloaf