Description
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground turkey or chicken: These lean meats replace traditional beef and add a lighter flavor while retaining the hearty essence of the meatloaf.
- Premade mashed potatoes: Convenient and creamy, these save time and effort; if you prefer homemade, you can whip up your own with milk and butter for added richness.
- ⅓ cup bread crumbs: This binds the meat mixture together, ensuring a moist meatloaf.
- ½ onion, finely chopped: Provides essential flavor and sweetness.
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce: Adds moisture and a sweet tang; feel free to choose your favorite brand or even make your own!
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatloaf together.
- 2 tsp chili powder: This spice gives the dish a kick and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup turkey bacon, chopped: A healthier alternative to traditional bacon, adding smokiness without heavy fat.
- 1 cup Mexican blend cheese: For that gooey and cheesy topping, you can substitute with any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C): Start by getting your oven ready so that it’s preheated by the time you are prepared to bake the casserole.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground turkey (or chicken), ½ finely chopped onion, ⅓ cup bread crumbs, ¼ cup BBQ sauce, 1 egg, 2 tsp chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix with your hands or a spoon until well incorporated.
- Form the meatloaf: Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish and press the meat mixture into the bottom evenly, shaping it into a loaf shape.
- Bake the meatloaf: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the meat is cooked through. You can check doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Drain excess fat: Once baked, carefully drain any excess fat from the meatloaf.
- Prepare the mashed potatoes: If you’re using premade mashed potatoes, warm them up according to the package instructions until creamy. If you’re making them from scratch, boil potatoes, mash them with butter and milk, and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the mashed potatoes: Spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf, forming a smooth layer.
- Top with turkey bacon and cheese: Next, sprinkle 1 cup of chopped turkey bacon over the mashed potatoes, followed by 1 cup of Mexican blend cheese. This will create a fantastic cheesy layer that melts beautifully.
- Broil until golden: Finally, set your oven to broil and cook for 2-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Let cool and serve: Allow your casserole to cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy your delicious meal!