Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s sure to please the whole family, this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect choice. Combining all the beloved flavors of a classic meatloaf with the creamy goodness of mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s packed with savory ingredients and topped with cheesy goodness that makes every bite a treat. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a weekend gathering, or simply want something filling and delicious, this casserole delivers on all fronts.

This dish brings together two comfort food favorites—meatloaf and mashed potatoes—into one irresistible casserole. The meatloaf base is seasoned with classic ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and a touch of ketchup, while the topping includes creamy mashed potatoes, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon for extra flavor and texture. It’s a fun and creative twist on a traditional meatloaf, and it’s easy to make. Let’s dive into why this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole will quickly become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comfort Food at Its Best

This casserole combines two of the most beloved comfort foods—meatloaf and mashed potatoes. The rich flavors and creamy textures are perfect for satisfying any craving.

2. One-Pan Meal

All of the ingredients bake together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. It’s the perfect no-fuss meal for busy nights or casual family dinners.

3. Cheesy and Savory

With layers of melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and flavorful meatloaf, every bite is a perfect balance of savory and cheesy goodness.

4. Easy to Customize

You can easily adapt the recipe to your tastes. Add vegetables to the meatloaf, swap the cheddar for another cheese, or mix in your favorite seasonings to personalize the dish.

5. Make Ahead and Freezer-Friendly

This casserole is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, or freeze it for later—making it a great option for busy days.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Base:

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Large egg
• Milk
• Finely chopped onion
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Worcestershire sauce
• Ketchup

For the Topping:

• Prepared mashed potatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cooked bacon (crumbled)
• Chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)

Variations

• Vegetable Add-ins: You can add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to the meatloaf mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Variations: Swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add a little heat by mixing some diced jalapeños into the meatloaf base or topping with a drizzle of hot sauce before baking.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the meatloaf base to add a fragrant, savory touch.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the ketchup. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Form and Bake the Meatloaf Base

Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it to cover the bottom. Spread the remaining ketchup on top of the meatloaf. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink.

Step 4: Add the Topping

Carefully spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, then add the crumbled bacon.

Step 5: Bake Again

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions or chives if desired. Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes: This is a great recipe for using up leftover mashed potatoes. If you don’t have any on hand, make a quick batch before starting the casserole.
• Check for Doneness: To ensure the meatloaf is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F (71°C).
• Crisp the Bacon: Make sure the bacon is nice and crispy before adding it to the casserole for the best texture.
• Use Lean Ground Beef: To reduce fat, use lean or extra-lean ground beef for the meatloaf base.
• Season to Taste: Taste the meatloaf mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.

How to Serve

This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but it can also be served with a variety of side dishes to round out the meal:

• Serve with a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect complement to this hearty casserole.
• Add Roasted Vegetables: Pair the casserole with roasted vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or green beans for a balanced meal.
• Enjoy with Bread: Serve with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauce left on your plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Freezing

This casserole is perfect for freezing. Once baked, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat leftover casserole in the microwave for a quick meal, or bake it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in the meatloaf base. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

2. Can I make this casserole without mashed potatoes?

Yes, you can use other toppings like mashed cauliflower or even a cheesy cauliflower bake for a lower-carb alternative.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses to suit your taste.

5. Can I use pre-made mashed potatoes?

Yes, you can use store-bought or pre-made mashed potatoes to save time on preparation.

6. How can I make the casserole spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the meatloaf mixture or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking for an extra kick.

7. Can I use a different type of breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use Italian-style breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed crackers for a different texture in the meatloaf base.

8. Can I make this recipe in a larger baking dish?

Yes, if you want to make a larger batch, you can double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish.

9. Can I freeze the casserole before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it well and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.

10. How long will the leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a comfort food lover’s dream come true. With its flavorful meatloaf base, creamy mashed potato topping, and cheesy, bacon-filled goodness, it’s the perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just your family, this casserole is a satisfying and hearty meal that everyone will enjoy!

Print