Description
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that features a flavorful blend of ground beef and Italian sausage mixed with savory spices and two types of cheese. Topped with a tangy ketchup glaze sweetened with brown sugar and enriched with Worcestershire sauce, this casserole is baked to perfection, resulting in a juicy, cheesy, and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
Binding Ingredients
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Topping Sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Meats: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and Italian sausage. Use your hands or a spoon to mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Add Onion: Stir the diced onion into the meat mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Prepare Breadcrumbs: In a separate bowl, whisk together the breadcrumbs and milk until the breadcrumbs soak up the milk and form a slightly thickened mixture.
- Combine Breadcrumbs and Meat: Add the breadcrumb mixture to the meat and stir gently to combine without overmixing.
- Add Eggs: Crack the eggs into the meat mixture and mix until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform.
- Season: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper, ensuring all spices are evenly mixed through the meat.
- Fold in Cheeses: Gently fold the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the meat mixture, taking care not to overwork it.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish, then spread the meat mixture evenly in the dish.
- Make Topping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the brown sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth.
- Apply Topping Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the meatloaf and spread it out to cover the entire surface.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing into portions and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) to guarantee it is safely cooked.
- Letting the meatloaf rest after baking helps retain juices and makes it easier to slice.
- You can substitute Italian sausage with all ground beef if preferred.
- Feel free to add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- For a lower fat version, use lean ground beef and reduce or omit the mozzarella cheese.
