Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

If you love classic meatloaf and crave cheesy mashed potatoes, this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is about to become your new favorite comfort food. This casserole takes everything you love about traditional meatloaf, adds a generous layer of creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and lots of gooey cheese to create a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. This dish is great for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you need a meal that’s guaranteed to impress!

this Recipe

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What is Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a layered dish that combines classic meatloaf with a cheesy mashed potato topping. Ground beef is seasoned, mixed with breadcrumbs, and formed into a flavorful meatloaf base. It’s then topped with creamy mashed potatoes, loaded with cheese, bacon, and green onions, and baked until golden and bubbly. Think of it as the ultimate comfort casserole that’s both savory and satisfying, with a combination of flavors that everyone will love.

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Ingredients List for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious, comforting casserole:

For the Meatloaf Base:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef – You can also use ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and pork.
• 1 small onion, finely diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the meatloaf.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – For extra flavor.
• ½ cup breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatloaf.
• 1 egg – Acts as a binder.
• ¼ cup ketchup – Adds a slight sweetness and moisture to the meatloaf.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth and umami.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – For extra flavor, or substitute with thyme or parsley.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning.

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 3 cups mashed potatoes – Use homemade mashed potatoes, leftover mashed potatoes, or instant mashed potatoes.
• ½ cup sour cream – Adds creaminess to the potatoes.
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – For mixing into the mashed potatoes.
• ¼ cup milk – Helps make the potatoes extra creamy.
• Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning the mashed potatoes.

For Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melty cheese on top of the casserole.
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled – Adds a salty, crispy element.
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced – For garnish and a fresh pop of color.

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Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is easy to customize based on your preferences or dietary needs:

• Meat alternatives: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. You can also make it vegetarian by using a plant-based ground meat alternative.
• Cheese options: While cheddar is classic, feel free to use other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.
• Low-carb version: For a low-carb version, use mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes for a lighter yet still creamy topping.
• Add vegetables: For added nutrition, mix in finely chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach into the meatloaf mixture.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole step by step:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.

2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, but don’t overwork the meat, or it can become tough.

3. Form the Meatloaf Base

Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, forming a flat, even layer. This will be the base of the casserole. Set aside.

4. Make the Mashed Potatoes

If using fresh potatoes, boil them in salted water until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash with the sour cream, milk, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth. If using leftover or instant mashed potatoes, simply mix in the sour cream, milk, and cheese to make them extra creamy.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer, smoothing it out with a spatula to cover the entire surface.

6. Top with Cheese and Bacon

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes. Add the crumbled bacon for extra flavor and texture.

7. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a golden, crispy top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

8. Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top for a fresh garnish. Slice and serve hot!

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How to Cook Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap to make sure your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole turns out perfect:

1. Mix the meatloaf base: Combine the ground beef with seasonings, breadcrumbs, and egg.
2. Spread in a baking dish: Press the meatloaf mixture into an even layer in a greased dish.
3. Make creamy mashed potatoes: Mix mashed potatoes with sour cream, milk, and cheese.
4. Layer the casserole: Spread mashed potatoes over the meatloaf base.
5. Top with cheese and bacon: Add cheese and crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
6. Bake until golden and bubbly: Bake at 375°F until cooked through, then broil for a crispy top.
7. Garnish with green onions and serve.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole turns out perfect every time, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overmixing the meatloaf: Mixing the meatloaf too much can make it dense and tough. Combine the ingredients just until mixed.
• Undercooking the meatloaf: Make sure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
• Dry mashed potatoes: Add enough sour cream and milk to the mashed potatoes to make them creamy and smooth. Dry potatoes can make the casserole less appealing.
• Not letting it rest: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing to help the layers set and make serving easier.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

This casserole is a filling meal on its own, but you can pair it with simple sides to make it even more special. Here are some serving ideas:

• Serve with a green salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole.
• Pair with roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, green beans, or carrots add nutrition and color to the meal.
• Bread for soaking up the sauce: Serve with a slice of garlic bread or a dinner roll to mop up any juices from the meatloaf.

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How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Here are some ideas for serving and presenting your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole:

• Family-style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish at the table for a cozy, comforting meal.
• Individual portions: Cut the casserole into squares and plate each portion with a sprinkle of green onions and a drizzle of extra sour cream if desired.
• Taco-style: Use leftovers to fill soft tortillas for a creative twist on tacos or wraps, topped with shredded lettuce and salsa.

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Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Make your casserole look as inviting as it tastes with these presentation ideas:

• Golden-browned top: Use the broiler for a few minutes at the end of baking to get a golden, crispy top layer of cheese and bacon.
• Fresh garnishes: Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley over the top of the casserole for a vibrant, colorful finish.
• Serve in a cast-iron skillet: For a rustic, restaurant-style presentation, bake the casserole in a cast-iron skillet.

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Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe Tips

To make sure your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect how well it melts. Freshly shred your cheese for the best melt.
• Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Let it rest: Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after baking so the layers can set, making it easier to slice and serve.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming from the fridge.

Q: Can I freeze Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. To freeze leftovers, store them in an airtight container, and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
A: Yes, instant mashed potatoes work great if you're short on time. Just be sure to mix in the sour cream and cheese for extra flavor and creaminess.

Q: What can I substitute for sour cream in the mashed potatoes?
A: You can use Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or even more milk for a lighter alternative to sour cream.

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Conclusion

This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the best parts of a traditional meatloaf dinner with creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese. It’s a perfect meal for feeding a hungry family, satisfying cravings for hearty, cheesy dishes. Easy to prepare and customizable to your tastes, this casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite. Enjoy every bite of this cheesy, savory, and delicious meal! Happy cooking!

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