Flavor-Packed Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole that combines hearty flavors and creamy textures.

Ground beef mingles with savory seasonings and rich cheese for an irresistible meal.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of meaty goodness and melted cheese goodness.

Crispy edges and a soft, juicy center make this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

Layers of cheese, meat, and seasonings create a mouthwatering experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Simple ingredients transform into a spectacular dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable forkful of this ultimate comfort classic.

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• This hearty casserole transforms traditional meatloaf into a one-dish wonder that fills bellies fast and deliciously.
• Swap ingredients like ground meats, cheese types, or toppings to match your family's taste preferences without complicated recipe adjustments.
• Combines classic flavors everyone loves – juicy meat, creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon – making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
• Uses just one baking dish, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time on dishwashing after a satisfying meal.

What Goes Into the Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful protein that forms the core of the meatloaf.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra moisture and depth to the meat mixture.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk, Egg: These ingredients help bind the meat together and create a tender texture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a tangy and savory flavor to enhance the meat mixture.

• Onions, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that add depth and traditional meatloaf flavor.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, sharp flavor to the casserole.
• Bacon: Provides a crispy, smoky element that complements the meat.
• Green Onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color to the dish.

• Mashed Potatoes: Serves as a creamy, comforting base layer that completes the casserole.

How to Bake a Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Get your oven toasty and ready by setting it to 375°F.

This will ensure everything cooks perfectly when you’re ready.

Step 2: Create The Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Chopped onions
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Egg
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder

Gently blend these ingredients with your hands, being careful not to overwork the meat.

You want everything to just barely hold together.

Step 3: Prepare The Baking Dish

Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Press it down evenly to create a smooth, uniform layer that will cook consistently.

Step 4: Spread The Potato Layer

Cover the meat mixture with a smooth layer of mashed potatoes.

If your potatoes are cold, warm them slightly to make spreading easier.

Step 5: Add Delicious Toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crumbled bacon
• Chopped green onions

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly, and the meat is fully cooked.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps it set and makes serving much easier.

Slice and enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips to Make Meatloaf Casserole Even Better

• Gently combine ingredients to prevent tough meatloaf, using your hands just until the mixture holds together without overworking the meat.
• Warm cold mashed potatoes slightly before spreading to ensure smooth, even coverage across the meat base for better texture and easier application.
• Sprinkle cheese, bacon, and green onions generously for maximum flavor impact, creating a delicious golden-brown topping that adds exciting texture and taste.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to help it set, making slicing cleaner and preventing the dish from falling apart when serving.
• Replace ground beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still delivers incredible flavor and satisfying comfort food experience.

Keeping and Warming Up Leftover Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring food safety and maintaining flavor.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent moisture loss. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.

What Pairs Well with This Meatloaf Dish

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like zinfandel or malbec to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole.
• Refresh with Beer: Choose a crisp amber ale or malty lager that cuts through the heaviness and matches the dish's hearty profile.
• Balance with Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to provide a fresh counterpoint to the dense, cheesy casserole.
• Brighten Side Vegetable: Roast bright green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli with lemon and herbs to add a zesty, nutritious element that contrasts the rich main dish.

Ways to Switch Up the Meatloaf Casserole

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to ensure the entire dish remains celiac-friendly.
• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version. This variation keeps the hearty casserole feel while reducing overall calorie content.
• Dairy-Free Delight
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace meat with a mixture of lentils, black beans, and finely chopped mushrooms. Add extra herbs like thyme and rosemary to boost the savory flavor profile and create a satisfying meat-free casserole.

FAQs

• Why use both ground beef and pork in this recipe?

The combination creates a more complex, richer flavor profile. Ground beef provides a robust taste, while pork adds extra moisture and tenderness to the meatloaf base.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free certified.

• How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ground meat should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center and check that the meat is no longer pink.

• What can I do if my mashed potatoes are too thick?

Add a little warm milk or cream to thin them out and make them easier to spread. Stir until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency that’s not too runny.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole brings comfort and satisfaction to dinner tables across America. Melted cheese, savory ground beef, and classic comfort ingredients combine for a mouthwatering meal that satisfies deep hunger and warms souls.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 0.5 pound (227 grams) ground pork

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

Topping and Garnish:

• 2 cups (480 grams) mashed potatoes
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup (57 grams) cooked and crumbled bacon
• 0.25 cup (40 grams) chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a conducive environment for a robust casserole creation.
2. Combine ground meats with aromatics and binding agents in a spacious mixing vessel. Gently fold ingredients together, ensuring cohesion without compromising texture.
3. Transfer the meat mixture into a greased rectangular baking vessel, distributing evenly to promote uniform cooking.
4. Carefully layer prepared mashed potatoes across the meat foundation, smoothing the surface for consistent coverage.
5. Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon fragments, and finely chopped green onions atop the potato layer, creating a vibrant and textural topping.
6. Slide the assembled casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 35-40 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling canopy and the meat reaches optimal doneness.
7. Allow the dish to rest momentarily after removing from the oven, enabling ingredients to settle and facilitating cleaner, more precise serving portions.

Notes

• Gently combine ingredients to keep the meatloaf tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.
• Warm cold mashed potatoes slightly for easier spreading and more even distribution across the casserole.
• Replace ground beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version of the dish.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg