Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that takes classic meatloaf to the next level by combining it with mashed potatoes, bacon, and lots of melted cheese. This all-in-one meal is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering layers of flavor and indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients
Serves: 6-8
For the Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Mashed Potato Layer:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming the base layer.
Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf Layer
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf is mostly cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and carefully drain any excess grease.
Step 4: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- While the meatloaf is baking, warm your mashed potatoes if they are not already hot.
- Stir in sour cream and adjust the consistency with milk if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the partially cooked meatloaf layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes, ensuring even coverage.
- Top with crumbled bacon for a smoky, salty finish.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, flavorful touch.
- Slice into portions and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this casserole alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal.
- Pair it with a warm dinner roll or garlic bread for extra comfort.
Tips for Success
- Make It Your Own
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a meatloaf mix for a lighter variation.
- Add More Veggies
- Incorporate diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or mushrooms into the meatloaf mixture for added nutrition.
- Cheese Variations
- Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.
- Make Ahead
- Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it when ready, adding an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Convenient: Combines two comforting classics—meatloaf and mashed potatoes—into one easy-to-make dish.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, smoky bacon, and gooey cheese in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that takes classic meatloaf to the next level by combining it with mashed potatoes, bacon, and lots of melted cheese.
Ingredients
- For the Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 1/2 lbs 680 g ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- For the Mashed Potato Layer:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk optional, for creaminess
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming the base layer.
- Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf Layer
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf is mostly cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and carefully drain any excess grease.
- Step 4: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- While the meatloaf is baking, warm your mashed potatoes if they are not already hot.
- Stir in sour cream and adjust the consistency with milk if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the partially cooked meatloaf layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes, ensuring even coverage.
- Top with crumbled bacon for a smoky, salty finish.
- Step 6: Bake the Casserole
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, flavorful touch.
- Slice into portions and serve warm.