If you’re longing for the ultimate comfort food dinner, the Cheesy Loaded Beef Meatloaf Casserole is exactly what you need on your table. This mouthwatering mashup takes beloved classic meatloaf, turns it into a hearty casserole, and loads it up with velvety mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar cheese. Each bite is packed with bold, savory flavors and textures that make it impossible to have just one helping. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser the whole family will rave about, this casserole is sure to steal the spotlight!

Cheesy Loaded Beef Meatloaf Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Cheesy Loaded Beef Meatloaf Casserole is short, sweet, and full of essentials that each serve a delicious purpose. Every item shines in its own way, helping build those classic layers that make this dish a total winner.

Ground beef: Rich, juicy, and flavorful — the star of the casserole’s base.
Breadcrumbs: Bind the meat mixture and give it just the right texture you crave in a meatloaf.
Milk: Ensures the meat stays moist and tender throughout baking.
Egg: Acts as a key binder, holding everything together beautifully.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and just the right hint of savory flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: Infuses a little umami punch that levels up the whole mix.
Garlic powder: Provides an aromatic backdrop to every bite.
Salt: Enhances and rounds out all the other flavors.
Black pepper: Brings a gentle warmth that keeps things interesting.
Ketchup: Delivers that familiar tang and touch of sweetness classic to meatloaf.
Mashed potatoes: Fluffy and creamy — the perfect topping for this casserole.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the top for an irresistible cheesy layer.
Cooked bacon: Adds crunch, smokiness, and pure comfort.
Green onions (optional): Brightens and freshens each serving — go for it if you love a pop of color.

How to Make Cheesy Loaded Beef Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Base

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and ketchup. It’s important not to overmix; just stir everything together until combined. This ensures your meatloaf base comes out tender, not tough. Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form a flat, even layer — this creates the perfect foundation for all the delicious toppings you’re about to add.

Step 2: Bake the Meatloaf Layer

Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. The meatloaf should be cooked through (an internal temperature of 160°F is your golden ticket) and nicely set. Once baking is complete, carefully drain any excess grease from the pan. This small but crucial step keeps your Cheesy Loaded Beef Meatloaf Casserole from becoming too heavy.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Toppings

Grab your piping-hot mashed potatoes and spread them evenly over the meatloaf layer. Whether you use homemade or store-bought, make sure they’re creamy and ready to slather! Next comes the best part: scatter on that generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle over the chopped bacon. Now your casserole is loaded and ready for the oven once again.

Step 4: Bake Until Cheesy and Bubbling

Pop the casserole back in the oven for 10 to 15 more minutes, until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbly and the kitchen smells like pure comfort food heaven. If you want those extra crispy, golden cheese edges, feel free to turn on your broiler for just a minute or two at the end — but keep a close watch!

Step 5: Garnish and Rest

Remove your finished Cheesy Loaded Beef Meatloaf Casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything set perfectly for serving. If you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle some chopped green onions over the top for a fresh burst of flavor and a splash of color.

How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Beef Meatloaf Casserole

Garnishes

The final flourish of green onions isn’t just for show — it adds a fresh, zippy contrast to the rich, savory layers beneath. If you want to get creative, a sprinkle of parsley or chives works beautifully as well. Even a dollop of sour cream can be a playful and tasty touch for each serving.

Side Dishes

This hearty Cheesy Loaded Beef Meatloaf Casserole is practically a complete meal, but if you’re rounding things out, serve it with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted carrots for an extra pop of color and nutrition. A side of warm dinner rolls or garlic bread is always welcome for soaking up those flavorful juices.

Creative Ways to Present

You can dress up this casserole by serving individual portions in ramekins, which always feels special, especially for a family gathering. For a more rustic, cozy vibe, bring the entire dish straight to the table and let everyone dig in family-style. If you want to impress at a potluck, garnish with extra bacon and green onions just before serving to really make it pop!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Loaded Beef Meatloaf Casserole stores like a dream. Simply let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If possible, keep garnishes separate until you’re ready to serve again.

Freezing

This casserole is an excellent candidate for freezing, making it perfect for meal prepping! Wrap cooled portions tightly or place individual servings in freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. For the best texture, add the green onion garnish after reheating rather than before freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, place the casserole (thawed if frozen) in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and bake at 350°F until heated through (about 20–25 minutes). For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave also works, but a few minutes in the oven will keep that crispy cheese topping in top form.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey can be swapped in for the beef if you prefer a lighter version. Just be sure to check for doneness, and consider adding a bit of extra seasoning since turkey is milder in flavor.

What mashed potatoes work best for this casserole?

Both homemade and instant mashed potatoes will work — just be sure they’re creamy and well-seasoned. Leftovers from a previous meal are a great time-saver and add a little extra comfort to the final dish.

How do I make this gluten-free?

All you have to do is use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular ones, and double-check any sauces or toppings for hidden gluten. The Cheesy Loaded Beef Meatloaf Casserole is otherwise naturally gluten-free!

Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

You sure can! Prepare and assemble the casserole as directed, then cover and refrigerate (unbaked or fully baked) up to a day in advance. When ready to serve, bake until heated through and the cheese is melty and bubbly.

How do I make this casserole spicier?

For a kick, swap some or all of the cheddar cheese for pepper jack, or add a dash of hot sauce to your mashed potatoes or meat mixture. Chopped jalapeños on top are also a fun, spicy addition.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a soul-warming, flavor-packed dinner with all the nostalgia of classic comfort food, you absolutely need to try this Cheesy Loaded Beef Meatloaf Casserole. It’s endlessly satisfying, easy to make, and certain to bring smiles all around the table — so grab your ingredients and treat yourself to a new family favorite tonight!

Cheesy Loaded Beef Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Loaded Beef Meatloaf Casserole. Layers of flavorful ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon come together to create a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatloaf:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
1/2 small onion (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup ketchup

For the Casserole Topping:

3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices cooked bacon (chopped)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and ketchup until just combined. Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.
Bake the Meatloaf: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
Add the Toppings: Spread the mashed potatoes over the cooked meatloaf. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bacon.
Finish and Serve: Bake for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted. Garnish with green onions if desired. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.