Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

why make this recipe

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a comfort food classic that everyone loves. This dish combines the savory flavors of meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheese, making it a perfect family meal. It’s easy to prepare, and you can customize it to your liking. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or any extra ingredients you have on hand.

how to make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup (divided)
• 2 cups prepared mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives (optional)

Directions:

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or an 8×8-inch dish for a thicker casserole.

2️⃣ 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 well combined.

3️⃣ 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. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink.

4️⃣ Add the Topping: Carefully spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, then add the crumbled bacon.

5️⃣ Bake Again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6️⃣ Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with green onions or chives, if desired. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

how to serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is best served warm. You can pair it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It’s also great for enjoying leftovers the next day!

how to store Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Use lean ground beef to keep the dish healthier.
• Customize the casserole by adding your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or mushrooms, to the meatloaf base.
• For extra flavor, try adding different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.

variation

You can easily modify this recipe by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you prefer, you can also skip the bacon for a lighter version.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?
Yes, store-bought mashed potatoes work perfectly in this recipe and save you time.

How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?
You can keep the leftovers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve. If you make it in advance, it may take a little longer to bake from cold.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole combines savory meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and gooey cheese into a family-friendly comfort food dish that's easy to prepare and perfect for using up leftovers.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the meatloaf

• 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup divided, half goes into meatloaf and half on top

For the topping

• 2 cups prepared mashed potatoes homemade or store-bought
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives optional, for garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or an 8x8-inch dish for a thicker casserole.
2. 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 well combined.
3. Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it to cover the bottom. Spread the remaining ketchup on top.

Cooking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink.
2. Carefully spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, then add the crumbled bacon.
3. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving

1. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with green onions or chives, if desired. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

Serve warm with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.