If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. It combines all the elements of a traditional meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and melted cheese into one deliciously satisfying dish. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. With layers of savory meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese, every bite is pure comfort. Keep reading to find out how to make this irresistible dish from scratch!
What is a Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty dish that layers a flavorful meatloaf base with creamy mashed potatoes, topped with a generous amount of melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, and green onions for extra flavor and texture. It’s a fun twist on traditional meatloaf and loaded baked potatoes combined into one, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. This casserole is packed with protein and dairy, and it’s filling enough to serve as the centerpiece of your meal.
Ingredients List for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
For the Meatloaf Base:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (You can substitute with ground turkey or a mixture of beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%, or use a non-dairy alternative like almond milk)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Mashed Potato Layer:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (use leftover mashed potatoes or make fresh ones from scratch)
- ½ cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack)
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional, but adds great flavor)
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is its flexibility. You can make it your own by adjusting the ingredients to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences:
- Ground Meat Options: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork, or use a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, use a plant-based ground meat substitute and add more vegetables, such as finely chopped mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini.
- Dairy-Free Version: To make this casserole dairy-free, use dairy-free milk (like almond or soy) and dairy-free cheese. You can also use dairy-free butter or omit the butter and sour cream from the mashed potatoes.
- Low-Carb Version: Instead of mashed potatoes, use mashed cauliflower. It has a similar creamy texture but with fewer carbs.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little kick.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole in a few simple steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
- Form the Meatloaf Base: Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it evenly into the bottom to form the base layer of the casserole. Smooth the top so the meatloaf cooks evenly.
- Bake the Meatloaf Base: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and set it aside.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the mashed potatoes. If you’re using leftover mashed potatoes, reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir in the sour cream and butter (if using) for extra creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the Mashed Potatoes: Once the meatloaf is cooked, carefully spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer. Use a spatula to smooth out the mashed potatoes.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mashed potatoes, then top with crumbled bacon (if using).
- Bake Again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of flavor and color.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Meatloaf: Overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf. Combine the ingredients until just mixed to avoid this.
- Dry Mashed Potatoes: If your mashed potatoes are too dry, the casserole may not be as creamy. Be sure to add enough butter, sour cream, or milk to keep the potatoes soft and spreadable.
- Not Fully Cooking the Meatloaf Base: Make sure the meatloaf is fully cooked before adding the mashed potatoes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat, which should be at least 160°F (71°C).
Serving and Presentation Tips
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are some serving ideas:
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for extra nutrition and texture.
- Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread on the side is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce or cheese.
How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
- Family-Style: Place the baking dish on the table and let everyone serve themselves, making it a cozy, family-friendly meal.
- Individual Portions: Slice the casserole into squares and serve on individual plates. Garnish each portion with extra green onions or a dollop of sour cream for added flair.
Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
- Layered Look: When serving, cut thick slices to showcase the layers of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and cheese. This will give a beautiful presentation with defined layers.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Aside from green onions, you can add fresh parsley or chives on top for a burst of freshness and color.
- Crispy Cheese Topping: For extra appeal, you can broil the casserole for a minute or two at the end of the baking process to get the cheese nice and crispy.
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf base and mashed potatoes a day in advance. When you're ready to bake, simply layer the mashed potatoes on the meatloaf and top with cheese before baking.
- Leftover Friendly: This casserole reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freezer Friendly: You can freeze the assembled casserole (before baking the cheese and bacon topping) for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes if you're short on time. Just make sure to prepare them according to the package instructions and add sour cream or butter for added flavor.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf layer?
A: Absolutely! You can mix in finely chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meatloaf mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking the final layer of cheese. Once assembled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the savory flavors of a classic meatloaf with the rich, creamy textures of mashed potatoes and melted cheese. It's easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. The layers of meat, potatoes, cheese, and bacon create a hearty dish that’s bound to please everyone at the table. So
gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this delicious, cheesy casserole!
PrintCheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and gooey melted cheese. It's a delicious, hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Mashed potatoes
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Worcestershire sauce
- Ketchup
- Salt and pepper
- Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Press the beef mixture into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
- Spread mashed potatoes over the cooked meatloaf layer, sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with turkey for a leaner option.
- Add vegetables like peas or carrots to the mashed potato layer for extra flavor and nutrients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 710mg
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