If comfort food had a crown, the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole would surely be wearing it! This recipe takes classic meatloaf and transforms it into a decadent casserole layered with creamy mashed potatoes, golden cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. Every forkful delivers a medley of cozy, satisfying flavors—perfect for family dinners or anytime you’re craving something hearty. It’s an easy-to-assemble, all-in-one meal that’s guaranteed to please; the best part is, leftovers taste even better the next day!

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the mouthwatering results fool you—these simple, everyday ingredients are the secret to creating that irresistible Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole magic. Each one brings its own special texture, flavor, or pop of color, so don’t skip any!

Ground beef (1½ pounds): The hearty base, making the casserole ultra-savory and filling.
Breadcrumbs (1 cup): These keep everything tender and help the meatloaf hold its shape beautifully.
Egg (1): Acts as the perfect binder, holding all the deliciousness together.
Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Adds a subtle sweetness and an irresistible aroma.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a boost of savory flavor throughout the casserole.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors to life—don’t skimp here!
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat without overpowering.
Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Works flavor magic, lending moisture and a tangy undertone.
Mashed potatoes, prepared (3 cups): Make them creamy and smooth—this is your “frosting” layer!
Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): Melts into gooey, bubbly perfection on top.
Cooked bacon, crumbled (4 slices): That salty, smoky crunch takes this casserole totally over the top.
Chopped green onions (2 tablespoons): Sprinkle at the end for a pop of freshness and color.

How to Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F. While it’s heating up, lightly grease an 8×8- or 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray (or a quick swipe of butter) to guarantee effortless cleanup later. This first step ensures your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole will lift out beautifully at serving time.

Step 2: Mix Up the Meat Layer

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and ketchup. Use your clean hands or a sturdy spoon, and mix just until everything looks evenly incorporated—overmixing can make your base tough, so keep it gentle for the juiciest results.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf Base

Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form a uniform, compact layer. Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the beef is mostly cooked through and the top is starting to brown. If there’s excess grease, carefully tilt and drain it off before moving on.

Step 4: Layer on the Mashed Potatoes

Spread those creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes right over the cooked meatloaf base, smoothing them with a spatula for an even coating. This luscious layer is what gives the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole its classic comfort-food appeal!

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bacon

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the mashed potatoes. Tumble the crumbled, crispy bacon on top next—every bite should have a bit of that smoky, savory crunch. Return the casserole to the oven.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfect

Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and irresistibly melty. Let your casserole rest for five minutes out of the oven; this makes slicing and serving even easier.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

For the grand finale, scatter chopped green onions over the top for fresh flavor and eye-catching color. Serve your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole while it’s still warm, and watch those happy faces around the table!

How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped green onions adds a punch of freshness, while a light dusting of smoked paprika or a swirl of additional ketchup can take each serving up a notch. Don’t be shy—let your toppings add both color and personality to your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole.

Side Dishes

Pairing this casserole with the right sides makes it a show-stopping meal. A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or some simple steamed broccoli all complement the richness of this dish gorgeously. If you’re feeling a little indulgent, classic dinner rolls for sopping up every last bit are always welcome!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try baking the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole in ramekins for individual portions—guests will love the personal touch. Serving it “family style” in the center of the table also makes for a cheerful, share-worthy presentation, letting everyone scoop their own perfect portion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover casserole cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to four days, holding onto all that flavor and goodness for quick lunches or weeknight repeats.

Freezing

The Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is fantastic as a make-ahead freezer meal. Wrap cooled slices or the whole casserole (tightly, using both plastic wrap and foil), and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the microwave for quick individual servings, or pop the whole dish into a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through. If you want to restore some crunch to the bacon and cheese topping, uncover the last few minutes to let things crisp up again.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Just remember that leaner meats may not be as moist, so consider adding a splash of milk or a bit more ketchup to compensate.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your mashed potatoes don’t contain any non-gluten-free ingredients. The rest of the casserole fits perfectly into a gluten-free diet.

What’s the best way to prepare mashed potatoes for this casserole?

Go with classic homemade mashed potatoes for the richest flavor, but if you’re short on time, store-bought works just fine. For extra creaminess, mix in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese before spreading them on the meat layer.

Can I add vegetables to the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?

Certainly! Stir in some finely chopped peppers, spinach, or even cooked peas and carrots into the meat mixture before baking. It’s a tasty way to sneak in veggies and add variety.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The edges should be bubbling, the cheese will look golden and gooey, and the internal temperature of the meat layer should hit at least 160°F. Letting it rest makes slicing neat and ensures every bite holds together beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve dished up this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole, I have a feeling it’ll join your regular comfort food rotation. It’s simple yet deeply satisfying, family-friendly, and honestly just plain fun to make. Give it a try—you deserve a cozy, cheesy, bacon-topped meal that brings everyone running to the table!

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines classic meatloaf flavors with creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Layer:

1½ pounds ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons ketchup

Topping:

3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
Mix meatloaf: Combine beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, seasonings, and ketchup. Press evenly into dish and bake.
Add toppings: Spread mashed potatoes over meat, top with cheese and bacon. Bake until cheese is melted.
Serve: Rest for 5 minutes, garnish with green onions, and serve warm.