If you’re craving serious comfort in a single dish, Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is about to become your new obsession. Imagine savory, tender beef full of classic meatloaf flavor, blanketed with creamy mashed potatoes and a molten layer of cheddar, then finished with smoky bacon and a sprinkle of green onions. This is the kind of cozy-baked casserole that gathers everyone around the table, turning an ordinary weeknight into a celebration of all things cheesy, meaty, and utterly irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is how it transforms pantry staples into pure magic. Each ingredient layers in texture, taste, or visual appeal, making every bite a happy balance of hearty, creamy, savory, and cheesy.
- Lean ground beef: The star of the casserole, providing richness and a satisfying, meaty base.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatloaf and keep it tender—use gluten-free if you like.
- Egg: Acts as the glue that holds everything together for clean, sliceable servings.
- Milk: Adds moisture and a bit of creaminess to the beef mixture.
- Garlic powder: For subtle, fragrant depth in every bite.
- Onion powder: Gives the dish that classic meatloaf flavor you know and love, without the fuss of chopping onions.
- Salt and black pepper: These keep the flavors balanced and savory.
- Ketchup: Brightens and sweetens the meatloaf while doubling as a tangy glaze.
- Mashed potatoes (prepared): Creamy and fluffy, they make for a perfect, crowd-pleasing topping—use leftovers or make them fresh.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the potatoes for an irresistible, gooey finish.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty crunch that makes the casserole feel extra indulgent.
- Chopped green onions: Sprinkled on at the end for a pop of color and fresh, zesty flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (or something similar you have on hand) to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple step sets you up for casserole success later on.
Step 2: Mix and Shape Your Meatloaf Layer
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half of your ketchup. Use clean hands or a big spoon to mix everything until just incorporated—don’t overwork it, or your meatloaf may turn out tough. Once mixed, press the beef mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, making sure it’s spread edge to edge.
Step 3: Add the Classic Ketchup Glaze
Spread the remaining ketchup over the top of your uncooked beef layer, using the back of a spoon for even coverage. This gives you that signature meatloaf flavor and a gorgeous, glazed finish after baking.
Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf Base
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This first bake firms up the meatloaf and gets it ready for all the scrumptious toppings. If there’s any excess fat around the edges after baking, carefully spoon it off.
Step 5: Layer on the Potatoes, Cheese, and Bacon
Now comes the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole magic! Carefully spread your mashed potatoes in an even layer over the hot meatloaf. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese generously over the top of the potatoes, then follow with your crumbled bacon. You’re building layers of flavor and texture that guarantee each bite will be dreamy.
Step 6: Final Bake for Melty, Golden Perfection
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown and everything smells incredible. This is where the magic happens—the cheese melts into the potatoes, the bacon gets even crispier, and your kitchen starts to smell like comfort food heaven.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole from the oven and sprinkle the chopped green onions over everything while it’s piping hot. Let it cool for a few minutes, then grab a big serving spoon (and plenty of hungry people) and dig in!
How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions wakes up the dish with color and freshness, while a dash of cracked black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika can amp up the flavor even more. If you adore creaminess, a swirl of sour cream dolloped on top is pure bliss.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but I love serving it with a crisp green salad or simple steamed green beans to balance all that richness. Roasted carrots, garlic bread, or even classic peas are fabulous sides if you want a true comfort food feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in ramekins or mini casserole dishes—perfect for dinner parties! You can also garnish with extra shredded cheese or a drizzle of barbecue sauce right before baking for even more flavor. Or, turn leftovers into sliders the next day by sandwiching slices in warm rolls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Just transfer any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making those leftovers extra satisfying!
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly, which is fantastic for busy weeks. Slice cooled portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store in a zip-top bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months—just allow the portions to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual pieces on medium until warmed through, or place in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, until hot and bubbly. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese or green onions after reheating to bring back that just-baked vibe.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole works beautifully with ground turkey or chicken. Just be aware that leaner meats can dry out, so adding a tablespoon of olive oil or a little extra milk can help keep everything juicy.
What kind of mashed potatoes work best?
Leftover homemade mashed potatoes are fantastic, but you can also use store-bought or instant for convenience. For extra richness, try stirring in some sour cream or cream cheese before spreading the potatoes over the casserole.
Can I assemble this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prep the casserole up to the stage before final baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to a day, then simply top with cheese and bacon and bake when you’re ready. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights or make-ahead meal planning!
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular, and double-check that your ketchup and other packaged ingredients are gluten-free. You’ll get all the comfort with none of the worry.
How can I make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole even more “loaded”?
Feel free to stir extra goodies into the mashed potatoes—roasted garlic, chopped chives, or steamed broccoli are all fantastic. Some people even mix a little ranch seasoning or hot sauce into the potatoes for an extra kick!
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole, it might just become your go-to recipe for family dinners, potlucks, or those nights when only cozy comfort food will do. Don’t be surprised if everyone comes back for seconds—this casserole is sure to be requested again and again!
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Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon come together in a deliciously satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup ketchup
Topping:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish.
- Prepare the meatloaf layer: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half of the ketchup. Press the mixture into the baking dish and spread the remaining ketchup over the top.
- Bake the meatloaf: Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven.
- Layer the toppings: Spread mashed potatoes over the meatloaf, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, add bacon crumbles, and return to the oven.
- Finish baking: Bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can use instant or leftover mashed potatoes for convenience.
- Try mixing sour cream or cream cheese into the potatoes for extra creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
