Name: Easy Meatloaf Casserole That'll Win Over Your Pickiest Eaters
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend works best); 1 large yellow onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 stalks of diced celery; 3 cloves of minced garlic; 1 cup of breadcrumbs (panko or standard); 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/2 cup of whole milk; 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon of tomato paste; 2 teaspoons of dried thyme; 1 teaspoon of dried oregano; 1 teaspoon of salt; 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper; 2 tablespoons of olive oil; For the Potato Topping:; 3 pounds of peeled and cubed Yukon gold potatoes; 1/2 cup of softened butter; 1/2 cup of warmed milk or heavy cream; 1/2 cup of sour cream; 1 teaspoon of salt; 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper; 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; For the Glaze:; 1/4 cup of ketchup; 2 tablespoons of brown sugar; 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard

This Easy Meatloaf Casserole will surely become a weekly staple due to its simplicity, ease, and the fact that it feeds a large portion of people.

All of the traditional meatloaf flavors are rekindled, and unlike traditional meatloaf, it braises and reheats nicely.

All of the hassle of complex recipes is eliminated, and well-balanced weeknight dinners are made easy with this one-dish casserole.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

For the Meat Layer:

2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks of diced celery
3 cloves of minced garlic
1 cup of breadcrumbs (panko or standard)
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup of whole milk
2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
2 teaspoons of dried thyme
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
2 tablespoons of olive oil
For the Potato Topping:
3 pounds of peeled and cubed Yukon gold potatoes
1/2 cup of softened butter
1/2 cup of warmed milk or heavy cream
1/2 cup of sour cream
1 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of white pepper
1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

For the Glaze:

1/4 cup of ketchup
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard

Instructions

Easy Meatloaf Casserole That'll Win Over Your Pickiest Eaters — Instagram @ketostefie

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Serves: 8-10 people

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes (25 minutes)

Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F while you prepare the potatoes.

Rub 1 tablespoon of softened butter or oil to grease the baking dish.

Fill a large pot with cubed potatoes and cover with cold salted water (water level should be above potatoes by about 2 inches).

Bring to a boil on a medium-high stove and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or till potatoes are fork-tender.

Drain the potatoes, then return them to the pot with the butter and warm milk, and then add the sour cream, salt, and white pepper.

Mash till creamy. Add 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and fold.

Step 2: Make the Meat Mixture (15 minutes)

While the potatoes are cooking, add the olive oil to a large skillet, then place it on medium heat.

When the oil is hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.

Then, add the minced garlic for an additional minute until the garlic is aromatic, then take the skillet off the heat to let the mixture cool slightly.

In a large bowl, add the ground beef, then add all the other ingredients, including the cooked vegetables: breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Using oiled hands, mix the ingredients until just incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole (10 minutes):

Press the meat mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. The meat should be an even, compact layer.

Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat layer, then use a large spoon or an offset spatula to add texture by creating peaks and valleys.

Evenly distribute the last 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on the cheeseburgers.

Make the glaze and bake (45 minutes)

Smoosh up those ingredients and combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.

Pour the drizzle on the top portion of the potatoes.

Let the potatoes bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown. When finished, the internal temperature of the meat should hit 160°F.

When the glaze has cooled down for a bit, brush it on top, and the casserole is ready. Don’t slice it open for 10 minutes.

Recipe tips and tricks

Don’t skip the veggie sauté.

The sauté of the onions, carrots, and celery at the start of cooking adds immense depth of flavor, and they will be the right texture in the finished dish.

Mashed potatoes: The potatoes should be left in the strainer until they are dry.

If they are wet, the topping will be dense and soggy, lacking the characteristic fluffy texture.

Temperature: The best way to ensure the meat has reached the correct temperature is to use a thermometer. 160 degrees should be the target.

This is the best way to guarantee that the meat is safe to eat, at the same time not overcooking it.

Make-ahead: The casserole is ready to be prepared a day in advance.

Wrap it to cover and put it in the fridge. Once ready to bake, extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

To guarantee golden, crispy edges on your creamy mashed potatoes, indulge in “forking” or using a fork to mix and mash the potatoes for the fork peaks in the bottom layer.

Substitution Ideas

Meat: Vary the meat choices by using or combining ground turkey, chicken, or a lean option like 93/7 turkey beef.
Potatoes: Russets, compared to Yukon Gold potatoes, are less creamy in texture, but Russets would be a great ingestion on their own. For a new flavor, use half potatoes and half cauliflower mash.
Dairy Free: For this version, replace the milk with a plant-based milk, use vegan butter, and don’t add cheese or use a dairy-free cheese.
Gluten Free: Use crushed gluten-free crackers, oats, or almond flour in place of the breadcrumbs.
Additional Vegetables: For more nutrition and flavor, add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and corn to the meat mix.

Things You Can Add

Although this casserole is quite filling on its own, a few additions to the meal include a green salad with vinaigrette,

Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts, warm dinner rolls or pieces of crusty bread, and a glass of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Serve the salad on the side to balance the richness of the casserole

Storage & Reheating

This meal can be stored in the fridge covered for up to 4 days. The flavor even improves a day after being stored in the fridge.

This casserole is freezer-friendly and can stay fresh for 3 months.

For optimum freshness, wrap each casserole in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in plastic freezer containers.

Reheating: When refrigerated, cover with foil and reheat in an oven at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.

For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat according to the previous directions.

Within a single serving, microwaving for 2 to 3 minutes is an option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions people also ask;

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, instant mashed potatoes are an alternative when trying to save time.

Prepare them as per the instructions, but when mixing, add less water so the final mixture is thicker, to counter the absorption that will happen in the baking process.

Why is my Casserole Watery?

This is a common casserole cooking mistake that can be avoided with the proper cooking time for the vegetable mixture.

Liquid should evaporate, and potatoes need to be drained, adding proper cooking time to the vegetable mixture.

Can I make this ahead for Meal Prep?

Yes, meal prep is one of its many applications. Portioning helps when stored in single containers, so it’s easy to use during the week.

What’s the best way to tell when it’s done?

When the casserole is finished baking, the top will be a golden brown color, and a meat thermometer centered in the casserole will read 160°F.

Edges bubbling slightly is also an indication that the casserole is cooked.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Use two 9×13-inch pans or one very large roasting pan.

You may need to increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

If Family Members do not like some of the Vegetables, may I exclude them?

Sure, the onion adds some of the most important flavors, but the carrots and celery are optional.

You might want to add some finely chopped mushrooms or bell peppers instead.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the ease of preparation, the combination of hearty satisfaction, and the bubbling, golden casserole to elevate any ordinary weeknight.

The Easy Meatloaf Casserole does just that, transforming your family’s weeknight routine and bringing everyone to the table, together.

It will serve as the centerpiece of the dining table for every family dinner.