Name: Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; ½ cup milk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup ketchup; 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared); 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

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If you’ve ever wished classic meatloaf could meet a decadent loaded baked potato at the dinner table, then you’re in for a treat with this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. Imagine perfectly seasoned ground beef, fluffy mashed potatoes, a golden crown of gooey cheddar, and the irresistible crunch of bacon in every forkful. This hearty casserole delivers on flavor, comfort, and crowd-pleasing wow-factor, making it a go-to for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike. Whether you’re a lifetime meatloaf fan or just after some next-level comfort food, this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole has you covered.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of this recipe: each ingredient truly shines and plays a vital role in making this casserole something special. Don’t be tempted to skip or swap too much—these simple kitchen staples are the secret to its perfect combination of flavors and textures!

Lean ground beef: The heart of the casserole; gives savory flavor and keeps the dish moist.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind everything together for a meatloaf layer that slices perfectly.
Egg: Essential for structure; it acts like culinary glue holding the meatloaf together.
Milk: Softens the breadcrumbs so your meat layer is never dry.
Garlic powder: Adds a mellow depth that blends effortlessly with the beef.
Onion powder: Brings a hint of sweetness and extra savoriness.
Salt: Simple, but so important for balancing all those rich flavors.
Black pepper: Provides gentle heat and a touch of peppery warmth.
Ketchup: Lends tang and sweetness, both inside and on top of the meat.
Mashed potatoes: A fluffy and creamy layer that makes every bite comforting and hearty.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a golden, bubbly topping for irresistible cheesy goodness.
Bacon (cooked and crumbled): Adds smoky crunch; the ultimate loaded potato finishing touch.
Chopped green onions: Sprinkle over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

How to Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Assemble the Meatloaf Layer

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish. In a roomy mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half of the ketchup. Mix everything together gently—just until incorporated—so the meatloaf will be tender, not tough. Press the mixture evenly into your prepared dish and set aside for topping in the next step.

Step 2: Add the Ketchup Topping

Take the remaining ketchup and spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer. This classic touch gives your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole that perfect sweet-tangy glaze, echoing the nostalgic flavors everyone loves about traditional meatloaf.

Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 25 minutes. This initial bake sets the meat and melds those delicious seasonings while the ketchup caramelizes a bit on top.

Step 4: Add the Loaded Potato Toppings

Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Gently spread a thick, even layer of prepared mashed potatoes right over the baked meatloaf. For extra creamy potatoes, try mixing in a little sour cream or cream cheese. Scatter that generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes, followed by the crumbled, crispy bacon. The aroma at this point is pure comfort food magic!

Step 5: Finish Baking and Garnish

Return the baking dish to the oven for another 15 minutes. When the cheese is golden and bubbling and everything looks gloriously melty, you’ll know it’s ready. Take it out, sprinkle on those chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish, and let it rest just a few minutes before slicing into thick, satisfying squares.

How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Garnishes

I highly recommend topping your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with an extra scattering of fresh green onions and maybe even a little more crispy bacon right before serving. A dash of fresh cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of parsley adds even more color and a hint of freshness that really puts it over the top.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a showstopper all on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd or want to round out dinner, keep it simple and let the main dish shine. A crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted veggies work very well to contrast the richness. Don’t forget some warm rolls or crusty bread to soak up every last dollop of cheesy goodness!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, party-friendly twist, try scooping the casserole into individual ramekins after baking the meat layer, layering each one with potatoes, cheese, and bacon for personal servings. Or use a large biscuit cutter to create tidy, stacked rounds—perfect for lunchboxes or a casual brunch spread. However you serve it, Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole always feels both homey and special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, making for some seriously delicious lunches afterward!

Freezing

Want to prep ahead or save some for a future comfort food emergency? This casserole freezes well! Cool it completely, cut into portions, and wrap each slice in foil before placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Freeze before adding green onions for best texture; add them fresh after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until hot, or cover the casserole and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of green onions to revive that just-baked flavor.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a lighter but still flavorful casserole. Just watch the bake time, as turkey can dry out more quickly—consider adding an extra splash of milk to the mixture for juicy results.

Are instant mashed potatoes okay to use?

Definitely! Instant potatoes are super convenient and work perfectly here. If you have leftover homemade mashed potatoes, that’s always a bonus, but no need to complicate dinner.

What if I want to make this casserole gluten-free?

Just substitute your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’re good to go. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone at the table can dig in worry-free.

Can I make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the whole casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 10 extra minutes to the first bake to ensure it’s heated through.

How do I avoid greasy meatloaf?

Choosing lean ground beef (90 percent or higher) helps a lot. If there’s extra grease after the first bake, carefully blot it with a paper towel before adding the potatoes and toppings.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, one bite of this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole and you’ll wonder how you ever settled for ordinary meatloaf. It’s the kind of recipe that fills the kitchen with warmth, brings everyone to the table with smiles, and practically guarantees requests for seconds. Don’t be shy—give it a try and make your weeknight dinners unforgettable!

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. A delicious twist on classic meatloaf, this dish features layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatloaf Layer:

1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup ketchup

For the Topping:

3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped green onions

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish.
Prepare the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half of the ketchup. Press the mixture into the baking dish and spread the remaining ketchup on top.
Bake: Bake for 25 minutes, then top with mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, and bacon. Bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.