The Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Comfort

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Layers of savory meat blend perfectly with melted cheese and crispy toppings.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Hearty ingredients come together in a simple yet delicious combination that screams home-cooked goodness.

Crisp edges and a molten cheese center make every bite irresistible.

We know you’ll want seconds of this irresistible comfort classic.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience pure culinary bliss that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: What Makes It So Good

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground turkey or add different toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Comfort Food Champion: Combines classic meatloaf and mashed potatoes into one hearty, satisfying dish that hugs your taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, meaty layers packed with familiar flavors everyone craves.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep work and simple ingredients make this a stress-free meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Ingredients for Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: A lean protein that forms the hearty foundation of this comforting casserole.

• Egg: Helps bind the meat mixture together and adds richness.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides structure and helps keep the meatloaf moist.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Ketchup: Adds depth of flavor and tangy sweetness to the meat mixture.

• Onion, Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic base flavor to the meat mixture.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall seasoning and brings out the meat's natural taste.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creates a creamy and comforting layer over the meat base.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, melty, and sharp flavor to the casserole.
• Bacon, Green Onions: Offers optional crispy and fresh garnish for extra texture and flavor.

How to Prepare Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 375F (190C).

Make sure the oven rack is in the middle position for even cooking.

Step 2: Mix Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended.

Step 3: Create the Meat Base

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Spread the meat mixture evenly across the dish, pressing it down to create a smooth, compact layer.

Step 4: Initial Baking

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

Step 5: Add Creamy Potato Layer

Remove the baking dish from the oven.

Carefully spread a smooth layer of mashed potatoes over the cooked meat, covering the entire surface.

Step 6: Load with Toppings

Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potato layer.

• Crumbled bacon
• Chopped green onions

Step 7: Final Bake

Return the dish to the oven.

Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and slightly golden around the edges.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes.

This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Cut into hearty portions and enjoy your comforting meal!

Pro Tips for Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Mix ingredients thoroughly but gently to prevent tough, dense meatloaf; overmixing can make the texture rubbery.
• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, ensuring you maintain similar fat content to keep the dish moist.
• Use warm mashed potatoes for easier spreading and better integration with the meat layer.
• Crisp bacon beforehand to prevent sogginess and enhance the overall crunch and flavor profile.
• Select a sharp cheddar for more intense flavor, or experiment with different cheese blends like monterey jack or gruyère for variety.

Variations on Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates while maintaining creamy texture.
• Turkey Transformation: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option that reduces fat content and provides a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Veggie Loaf: Use plant-based ground meat alternative mixed with lentils and mushrooms to create a meatless version that maintains the casserole's hearty characteristics.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to accommodate wheat sensitivities while keeping the recipe's original texture and binding properties.

Serving Suggestions for Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Family-Style Sunday Feast: Gather everyone around the table and serve generous slices alongside crisp green salad for a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair with tangy roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots to balance the rich, meaty flavors and add nutritional variety.
• Brunch Transformation: Top each slice with a sunny-side-up egg and extra crumbled bacon for a delicious weekend breakfast twist that elevates the classic casserole.
• Leftover Magic: Slice cold meatloaf between toasted bread with mustard and extra cheese for an incredible next-day sandwich that brings new life to your dinner remnants.

Storage Guidelines for Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness.
• Wrap casserole portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean alternative that works great in this recipe. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked to the proper internal temperature.

• How can I make this dish lower in calories?

Swap regular ground beef for lean ground beef, use low-fat cheese, turkey bacon, and Greek yogurt in mashed potatoes to reduce overall calorie content.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and check that Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole combines classic comfort with hearty ingredients from American home cooking. Melted cheese, crispy bacon, and savory beef create a satisfying meal you’ll crave for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 egg

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

• 4 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, using hands or a spatula to create a uniform, compact layer that covers the entire bottom of the dish.
4. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature of the meat reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
5. Carefully remove the dish from the oven and spread a smooth, even layer of mashed potatoes over the cooked meat surface using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the potato layer, covering the entire surface.
7. Garnish with crispy crumbled bacon and thinly sliced green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
8. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven to help set and make serving easier.

Notes

• Lean ground beef works best for a less greasy result, keeping the casserole lighter and healthier.
• Customize the recipe by swapping breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour for those with dietary restrictions.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of red wine or a dash of smoked paprika to the meat mixture for depth.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for busy weeknight meals.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg