Say hello to your new go-to comfort dinner: Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. This all-in-one dish brings together the savory heartiness of classic meatloaf, pillowy layers of buttery mashed potatoes, golden cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon on top. Each bite is a hug for your taste buds and the perfect answer to “what’s for dinner?” when you want something filling, familiar, and family-friendly. Even better, everything gets baked into one casserole, making cleanup easy and giving you more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how such basic kitchen staples transform into the most crave-worthy Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. Each ingredient works its own magic, building flavor, holding the layers together, and contributing color and richness!
- Ground Beef: Provides the hearty, savory foundation for your casserole—go for 80/20 for juicy results.
- Seasoned Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatloaf and add an herby depth; use gluten-free if you need.
- Large Eggs: Crucial for binding everything together and making sure your meatloaf holds its shape.
- Milk: Keeps the meat mixture tender and moist.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a gentle, round depth of flavor, making every bite a little warmer.
- Onion Powder: Gives that classic, homey taste without having to chop onions.
- Salt: Absolutely essential to bring out all the savory notes in every layer.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle bite that balances the richness beautifully.
- Ketchup: The secret sauce for sweet tang, both inside the meat and as a classic glaze on top.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery clouds spread over the meatloaf—use homemade or the speedy instant kind.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a bubbly golden layer that’s irresistibly gooey.
- Cooked Bacon: Crumbled on top for a salty, crispy crown (don’t skip it!).
- Chopped Green Onions: Optional but highly recommended; they add fresh color and a touch of bite at the end.
How to Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar baking dish—this will keep your casserole from sticking and make serving a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a big mixing bowl, toss together your ground beef, seasoned breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half the ketchup. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to combine everything just until it comes together—don’t overmix, or your meatloaf could turn dense.
Step 3: Form and Top the Meatloaf Layer
Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish, making a smooth, even layer. Take the rest of the ketchup and spread it on top for that classic, tangy finish.
Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf Layer
Pop your dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll want to see the top just starting to caramelize, and a thermometer should read at least 160°F when inserted into the center.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Carefully remove the hot dish and drain off any excess grease. Spread your creamy mashed potatoes all over the meatloaf layer, smoothing with a spatula. Then sprinkle on a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese and all that crumbled bacon—this is where the “loaded” part really shines!
Step 6: Bake Again for Bubbling Perfection
Slide the casserole back into the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. You want the cheese fully melted and bubbling, with the potatoes warmed through.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
If you like, top the casserole with chopped green onions just before serving. Their fresh flavor pops against all the richness, and the color looks so inviting!
How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
Garnishes
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is pure comfort on its own, but a scatter of fresh green onions gives it color and just enough bite. For a flavor boost, add a few dollops of sour cream or a light sprinkle of chives right before serving. You could even drizzle with a hint of barbecue sauce for some smoky-sweet contrast.
Side Dishes
This casserole is so hearty, you hardly need anything else! But if you want to round out the meal, go for simple roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or even steamed broccoli. Their freshness balances the richness and adds color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
To make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole extra special, bake it in individual ramekins for cute, personal portions. Or, after cooling briefly, use a wide spatula to slice and stack hearty squares on larger serving plates. For a party twist, sprinkle on extra bacon and a drizzle of sriracha or ranch dressing at the end.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for grab-and-go lunches or next-day dinners.
Freezing
This casserole is a meal-prep superstar! After baking and cooling, slice into portions, wrap well with plastic wrap and foil, and pop into the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready for a quick, homestyle dinner.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 20 minutes). If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover your slice with a damp paper towel and heat in 1-minute bursts until hot.
FAQs
Can I use different meats in Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
Absolutely! You can swap out ground beef for ground turkey, pork, or even a blend. Each brings its own unique flavor profile—just be sure to adjust seasonings as needed, and make sure the meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Do I have to use homemade mashed potatoes?
Not at all! Instant mashed potatoes are a total lifesaver here. Just season them well with butter, salt, and pepper to boost the flavor, and your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole will turn out just as dreamy.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free version, and double-check that your seasonings are gluten-free as well. The casserole will still be delicious, hearty, and satisfying.
What size dish should I use?
A 9×9-inch baking dish works perfectly for this quantity, but any similarly sized dish will do. If you double the recipe for a crowd, use a 9×13-inch pan and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I know the meatloaf is done?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F. The meat should also look firm, and the juices should run clear instead of pink.
Final Thoughts
If classic comfort food with a cheesy, crave-worthy twist sounds good to you, you absolutely have to try making Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole at home. It’s one of those tried-and-true recipes that welcomes everyone to the table with a smile. Give it a go—you’ll find yourself putting this on repeat for cozy dinners and happy leftovers all week long!
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Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole recipe. A delicious twist on classic meatloaf, this dish features a flavorful beef base topped with creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of green onions.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup ketchup
For the Topping:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared and seasoned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Mix Meatloaf: Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, spices, salt, pepper, and half of the ketchup. Press into dish.
- Bake Meatloaf: Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
- Add Potatoes: Spread mashed potatoes over meatloaf.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with cheese and bacon. Bake for additional 10-15 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- Instant mashed potatoes can be used for convenience.
- Ground turkey or pork can be substituted for beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
