We're getting close to Christmas, and that usually means all normal dieting and dining go completely out the window as we all indulge in the sights, smells, and tastes of delicious food that only seems to appear during the holiday season. But, for many families it's still a necessity to put hearty, filling, comforting foods on the table, and we're no exception.
This dish hits all those adjectives pretty well... it's hearty, filling, and has all the ingredients to make it a comfort food. Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, cheese, and bacon all rolled into one - it's like having a slice of meatloaf with a loaded potato on the side. And what isn't more comforting than that?
Adapted from Naomi's Recipes
An easy to make comfort food that hits just right when you're looking for something hearty and filling during the holidays... or any time of year.
Adapted from Naomi's Recipes
Preheat oven to 375 F. Spray the inside of a 9 x 13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl add ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 cup of ketchup. Using your hands, mix the ingredients until well combined.
Press the meat mixture into the casserole dish and spread out evenly across the bottom. Top with remaining ketchup. Bake in oven 25-30 minutes or until the meat is cooked through.
While the meat is in the oven, cook the bacon until crisp, then drain on paper towels and crumble. Prepare the mashed potatoes if needed, whether homemade or store-bought (instant).
When the meat finishes cooking, remove the dish from the oven but do not turn the oven off. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly across the top of the meat. Sprinkle the cheese evenly on top of the potatoes, then top with the bacon crumbles. Note the casserole dish will be full.
Place the dish back into the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onion or chives if desired.
Servings 8
Serving Size approx 1 1/2 cups (12 oz)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.