Description
A delicious twist on classic meatloaf! This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole layers a savory meatloaf base with creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of green onions. It’s like your favorite comfort foods stacked into one crave-worthy, crowd-pleasing bake. Perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday dinner with the family.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Base:
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1 lb ground beef
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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1 large egg
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¼ cup milk
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¼ cup finely chopped onion
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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½ cup ketchup (divided)
For the Topping:
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2 cups prepared mashed potatoes
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
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2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking dish. -
Make the Meatloaf Base:
In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and ¼ cup ketchup until well combined. -
Form and Bake Meatloaf:
Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish. Spread the remaining ¼ cup ketchup on top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. -
Add the Topping:
Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the cooked meat layer. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by crumbled bacon. -
Bake Again:
Return casserole to oven and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Garnish and Serve:
Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives before serving.
Notes
Make It Easy: Use store-bought mashed potatoes or leftover mashed potatoes for convenience.
Double the Layers: For extra heartiness, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach between layers.
Customize It: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, pork, or a blend.
Freezer Friendly: Freeze after assembling (before final bake), and bake directly from frozen, adding extra cook time.
Kid-Friendly: Leave off the onions for picky eaters—still delicious!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: loaded meatloaf casserole, cheesy casserole, ground beef dinner, meat and potatoes, bacon mashed potato bake