Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food mashup, look no further than this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. Imagine all the savory, nostalgic flavors of classic meatloaf, blanketed with a cloud of creamy mashed potatoes and a generous tumble of melty cheddar and crispy bacon—ready to serve right from the casserole dish. This is weeknight dinner heaven, and it never fails to win hearts at my table!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how just a few kitchen staples can create a Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole that tastes like pure comfort. Each ingredient brings its own personality—together, they make magic happen in the oven!

• Lean ground beef: The star of the show—be sure to use lean for a tender base that won’t turn greasy.
• White onion (finely chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and keeps every bite wonderfully moist.
• Minced garlic: Three cloves give the casserole its warm, savory backbone.
• Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash dials up that classic, umami-rich meatloaf flavor.
• Brown sugar: A touch in the beef mixture balances savory and sweet for classic meatloaf appeal.
• Italian breadcrumbs: Hold the casserole together, and add a gentle herby note.
• Large egg: Binds the meat so your slices stay wonderfully thick and tender.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy, fluffy, and an irresistible “crust” on top—use homemade or store-bought in a pinch.
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey blanket over the potatoes—use sharp for the most flavor pop.
• Crumbled cooked bacon or bacon bits: These add smoky depth and a crisp, savory finish that’s completely addictive.
• Salt & black pepper: Don’t forget to season each layer to bring out all the best flavors.

Variations

The beauty of Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is how forgiving it is—there are endless ways to make it your own! Don’t be shy about swapping in your favorites or adjusting for dietary needs.

• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, still-flavorful casserole.
• Add Veggies to the Mix: Fold in some finely chopped bell pepper, shredded carrot, or even a handful of spinach for a boost of color and nutrition.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, smoked gouda, or pepper jack for a tasty twist on the classic cheddar topping.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check your Worcestershire sauce for an easy, celiac-friendly version.

How to Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Mix the Meatloaf Base

Preheat your oven to 400ºF. In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a couple of forks to mix just until combined—overmixing can make the meat dense, so keep it gentle!

Step 2: Bind and Shape the Meatloaf Mixture

Add the egg and Italian breadcrumbs to the bowl. Blend everything together until the mixture is uniform and holds together, ensuring you have a sturdy but tender base for your cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole.

Step 3: Layer and Assemble

Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan. Press the meat mixture evenly into the dish, spreading it all the way to the edges so every bite is packed with flavor. Smooth the top with a spatula for the prettiest layer.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Potato Layer

Spread the mashed potatoes in an even layer over the meat. If they’re a bit thick, warm them for a few seconds in the microwave to make them easier to spread. This pillowy topping is what makes cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole utterly irresistible!

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bacon

Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar generously over the potatoes, then scatter the crumbled bacon or “Bacon Bits” on top. These layers bake up into a bubbling, golden crust that’s impossible to resist.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the top is browned in spots. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving—if you can wait!

How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Garnishes

Scatter a little extra chopped chive, flat-leaf parsley, or even more crumbled bacon over the top before serving for a pop of freshness (and color!). A sprinkle of cracked black pepper can really make the cheesy layers stand out, too.

Side Dishes

This hearty casserole stands as a meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted brussels sprouts, steamed broccoli, or garlicky green beans for contrast and crunch. For something extra cozy, try a basket of warm rolls to soak up every last cheesy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, spoon individual portions into small ramekins and broil the tops for a bubbly, golden finish. Or, let guests build their own with extra toppings like sliced scallions, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a dollop of sour cream—the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole experience is entirely customizable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The layers meld together even more overnight, making every bite of Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole just as comforting the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the fully baked casserole (or individual slices!) for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly with foil, and label with the date. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, cover and warm in a 350ºF oven until hot throughout, about 15–20 minutes. For quick single-servings, a few minutes in the microwave works well—just add a splash of milk to keep the mashed potato topping extra moist!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is classic comfort food with a fun, family-friendly twist—perfect for busy weeknights or sharing at your next get-together. I can’t wait for you to try it and taste just how cozy, hearty, and utterly delicious each bite can be!

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