Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

If you’re a fan of classic meatloaf and also love a hearty helping of mashed potatoes and cheese, this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the best of all worlds. It combines a savory, tender meatloaf base with a creamy mashed potato topping, gooey melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. It’s like a meatloaf dinner and loaded baked potato combined in one family-friendly dish.

This casserole is warm, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal when you want something that feels special but doesn’t take hours to prepare. With a few staple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a dinner that will please everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving picky eaters or hearty appetites, this recipe checks all the boxes: cheesy, meaty, comforting, and quick to make. It’s also a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or make a second-day meal feel brand new.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Classic Comfort Food Twist – It blends meatloaf and mashed potatoes into one irresistible casserole.
2. Easy to Make Ahead – Prep it early and bake when ready.
3. Uses Simple Ingredients – No fancy items—just pantry and fridge basics.
4. Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone loves a cheesy, bacon-topped casserole.
5. Customizable – Add extra toppings, spices, or vegetables to make it your own.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Base:

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Milk
• Finely chopped onion
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Worcestershire sauce
• Ketchup

For the Topping:

• Prepared mashed potatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cooked bacon
• Chopped green onions or chives

Variations

• Add Veggies: Mix peas, corn, or diced bell peppers into the meatloaf for added nutrition.
• Use Ground Turkey or Pork: Swap beef for a leaner or different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or chipotle powder to the mashed potatoes.
• Try a Different Cheese: Gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack work beautifully.
• Make it Mini: Use muffin tins for individual servings—great for kids or meal prep.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 or 8×8-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Base

In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and half the ketchup until fully combined.

Step 3: Form and Bake the Meatloaf

Spread the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish. Top with the remaining ketchup. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink.

Step 4: Add the Topping

Remove the dish from the oven. Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the cooked meatloaf. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then add the crumbled bacon.

Step 5: Bake Again

Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions or chives, and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice and serve warm.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time.
• Don’t overmix the meat mixture—it can make the meatloaf dense.
• Let the casserole rest before slicing to help it hold its shape.
• For extra flavor, roast garlic into the mashed potatoes.
• Bake on a sheet pan to catch any overflow or drips.

How to Serve

Serve hot as a stand-alone dish or with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. It’s a meal in itself, but you can pair it with a light coleslaw or green beans for a balanced dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, instant mashed potatoes work well and save time.

2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate it a day ahead, then bake when ready.

3. What’s the best ground meat to use?

Ground beef is classic, but ground turkey or pork also work well.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your ketchup and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.

5. How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

It should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

6. Can I use other toppings?

Yes, try French fried onions, jalapeños, or even crushed potato chips.

7. Can I make it in a loaf pan?

It’s best in a flat dish, but a loaf pan works—just increase baking time slightly.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch dish and adjust baking time as needed.

9. What can I use instead of bacon?

Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon substitutes work well.

10. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Cool fully, wrap tightly, and freeze in portions or as a whole.

Conclusion

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole takes two classic comfort foods—meatloaf and mashed potatoes—and fuses them into one incredibly satisfying dish. With simple ingredients and bold, familiar flavors, it’s a guaranteed family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping, or serving a crowd, this casserole is hearty, cheesy, and always hits the spot. Try it once, and it’s bound to become part of your regular rotation.

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