Here’s a high-protein, low-carb version of the classic comfort food: Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. Think meatloaf, cheesy mashed “potatoes,” and all the flavors of a loaded casserole — but with macros that actually support protein goals.
🥩🧀 High-Protein Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
✅ Ingredients (6 servings)
For the Meatloaf Base:
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1.5 lb (680 g) lean ground beef or turkey (93–96% lean)
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½ cup unflavored whey protein isolate (optional for extra protein)
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1 large egg
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½ cup almond flour (or oat fiber for more texture)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Cheesy “Topping”:
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1½ cups cauliflower rice (or finely mashed cauliflower)
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½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
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1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
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¼ cup parmesan
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2 slices center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
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2 green onions, sliced
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Salt & pepper to taste
🔥 Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 casserole dish.
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Mix meatloaf ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Press into the casserole dish evenly.
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Bake meatloaf base 20–25 minutes until lightly browned.
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Meanwhile, prepare cheesy topping: Steam cauliflower rice and mash slightly. Mix with Greek yogurt, cheddar, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
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Top baked meatloaf with cheesy cauliflower mixture. Sprinkle bacon and green onions on top.
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Bake another 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
🧮 Nutrition (per serving, 1/6 casserole)
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 370 | 42 g | 18 g | 6 g | 2 g | 4 g |
💡 High-Protein Tips
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Add whey protein to meatloaf for an extra protein boost without affecting flavor.
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Greek yogurt keeps the topping creamy while adding protein.
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Lean meat + reduced-fat cheese keeps calories reasonable but protein high.
This casserole is comfort food without guilt — perfect for meal prep, batch cooking, or cozy family dinners.