This is the best way to go, forget the loaf pan!

A casserole can be a complete meal all in one. You can bake everything in one casserole. It takes less than an hour. We love traditional meatloaf but we decided to make it a little more modern. Cheesey mashed potatoes and meatloaf casserole

Serves 6
50 minutes

INGREDIENTS

3 cups leftover (garlic) mashed potatoes
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup white onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/3 cup bacon (cooked and crumbled) or bacon bits
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 400º F.

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic and Worcestershire sauce using two forks or your hands.

Season generously with salt and pepper, then work in breadcrumbs and egg.

Transfer ground beef to an 8-inch square baking dish and press it into an even layer.

Spread mashed potatoes on top of ground beef mixture, then top with cheddar cheese and bacon bits.

Cover baking dish with aluminum foil, then place in oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove aluminum foil and bake for another 10-15, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.