Irresistible Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Dinner

When comfort meets culinary magic, this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole recipe emerges as a true dinner champion.

Hearty ground beef blends seamlessly with rich seasonings and melty cheese.

Sharp cheddar and crispy bacon create layers of irresistible flavor.

Each forkful promises a symphony of textures and tastes that comfort and satisfy.

Creamy cheese and tender meat mingle in a delectable dance of deliciousness.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this mouthwatering casserole.

Meatloaf and Casserole: The Cheesy Combo

• Whip Up Comfort Food: A hearty, one-dish meal that combines classic meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and indulgent cheese for the ultimate family dinner.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients like different meats, cheese varieties, or adding personal spice blends to match your taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Simple preparation steps and minimal cleanup make this a go-to recipe for busy households seeking delicious, satisfying meals without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Loaded with crowd-favorite ingredients like bacon, cheese, and creamy potatoes, this casserole guarantees smiles around the dinner table for both kids and adults.

Ingredients for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the core of the meatloaf casserole.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat mixture and provides a tender texture.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to keep the meatloaf together.

• Onion, Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the meat mixture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a rich, tangy umami taste to the meatloaf.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Seasons and adds warmth to the meat base.

• Milk: Helps create a moist and tender meat mixture.
• Butter, Sour Cream: Makes the mashed potatoes creamy and rich.
• Cheese: Melts on top to create a golden, gooey layer.
• Bacon: Adds a crispy, smoky element to the casserole.

• Green Onions, Chives: Provides a fresh, sharp flavor and visual appeal.

Building Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Meaty Base

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Milk
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Dive in with your hands and blend everything until it’s perfectly combined and looking super tasty.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf

Press the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s fully cooked through.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Potatoes

While the meatloaf is baking, create a dreamy potato topping by mixing mashed potatoes with butter and sour cream until smooth and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Toppings

Once the meatloaf is done, spread the creamy mashed potatoes across the top.

Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese and crumble crispy bacon over the surface.

Step 6: Final Bake and Finish

Return the casserole to the oven for another 10-15 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Scatter freshly chopped green onions or chives on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Slice and serve this ultimate comfort food directly from the baking dish.

Pro Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole

• Add milk and Worcestershire sauce to keep ground beef tender and prevent dryness during baking.
• Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or Italian herbs to enhance the meatloaf's flavor profile.
• Whip mashed potatoes with sour cream and butter for a creamy, luxurious topping that complements the savory meat.
• Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour and replace mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash for a keto-friendly version.
• Prepare the meatloaf base and mashed potatoes a day ahead, then assemble and bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Mixing Up the Meatloaf Casserole

• Turkey Lighter Delight: Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lower-fat version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
• Veggie Power Casserole
• Gluten-Free Comfort Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute milk with almond or oat milk to create a celiac-friendly meal that doesn't compromise taste.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the creamy, comforting essence of the original recipe.

Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole

• Comfort Plate Companions: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, meaty flavors and add freshness.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining slices into next-day sandwiches by adding extra cheese and toasting between crusty bread slices for a delicious lunch.
• Family Style Feast: Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic, homestyle meal that encourages everyone to dig in and share the warmth of home cooking.
• Veggie Boost: Add roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus on the side to create a complete and nutritious dinner spread.

Storing Meatloaf Casserole Like a Pro

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Stays good for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place single serving on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned well to maintain flavor.

• How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption of ground meat.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the meatloaf base and mashed potatoes separately, then assemble and bake just before serving to keep everything fresh and crispy.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of regular breadcrumbs.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole, blending classic American home cooking with irresistible flavor profiles. Melted cheese, savory meat, and hearty ingredients create a memorable meal that welcomes hungry diners to savor each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 6 strips bacon
• 1 egg

Starches and Dairy:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 3 cups mashed potatoes
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Chopped green onions or chives

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blending ingredients until uniform.
3. Evenly distribute the meat mixture across the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth, compact layer.
4. Roast the meat base for 25-30 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches safe cooking point.
5. While meatloaf bakes, craft creamy mashed potatoes by whipping together potatoes, butter, and sour cream until smooth and fluffy.
6. After initial baking, layer the mashed potatoes uniformly over the cooked meat foundation.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese and crumbled bacon across the potato surface.
8. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing cheese to melt and develop a golden, bubbling crust.
9. Remove from oven and garnish with finely chopped green onions or chives for a fresh, vibrant finish.
10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and ease portioning.

Notes

• Trim excess fat from ground beef to reduce greasiness and create a leaner meatloaf base.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought for a more tender texture and enhanced flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked meatloaf for up to 24 hours to develop deeper flavor and save preparation time on busy days.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 488 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg