If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines all your favorite flavors into one glorious bite, you have to try this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe. It takes the classic meatloaf and transforms it into a hearty casserole loaded with savory ground beef and pork, creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. This dish feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests with something both nostalgic and totally irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is the first step to making this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe shine. Each component plays a crucial role, from juicy ground meats giving the base richness, to the mashed potato topping creating creamy goodness, and finally, the cheese and bacon adding that irresistible melty and crispy finish.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides juicy, savory flavor and tender texture essential for the meatloaf base.
- 1/2 lb ground pork: Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness balancing the richness of the beef.
- 1 small onion, finely diced: Brings mild sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic notes that brighten the flavor.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat together while keeping it tender and moist.
- 1/4 cup milk: Hydrates the breadcrumbs for a soft, cohesive texture.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold the meatloaf firmly in place.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy umami kick boosting overall savory richness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle spicy warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Injects herbaceous, aromatic notes to elevate the dish.
- 1/2 cup ketchup (optional): Adds a touch of sweetness and tang for classic meatloaf flavor.
- 3 cups mashed potatoes: Offers a creamy, fluffy topping that makes this casserole uniquely comforting.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Enriches the mashed potatoes with tanginess and silkiness.
- 1/4 cup milk: Keeps the mashed potatoes smooth and spreadable.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Ensures your mashed potatoes are perfectly seasoned.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, golden goodness crowning the casserole perfectly.
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: Adds irresistible crunch and smoky flavor in every bite.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Provides a fresh, crisp finish and a pop of color as garnish.
How to Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Mix the Meat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish so your casserole won’t stick. Then in a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork with finely diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs soaked in milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mixing all these ingredients well ensures every bite is bursting with savory flavors.
Step 2: Form the Meat Layer and Begin Baking
Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a solid base layer. If you love the sweet and tangy touch ketchup adds, spread a thin layer over the meat at this stage. Pop it into the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the meatloaf is mostly cooked but not fully done.
Step 3: Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping
While your meatloaf starts baking, it’s the perfect time to mix the creamy mashed potatoes with sour cream and milk. Season generously with salt and pepper. This dreamy potato layer will create the perfect contrast to the meat below, adding smooth texture and mild tanginess.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole and Finish Baking
Once the first baking is done, evenly spread the mashed potato mixture over the meatloaf. Next, generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crispy crumbled bacon on top to create that signature cheesy loaded effect. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
After pulling your casserole from the oven, scatter sliced green onions over the top for a bright, fresh finish that also looks stunning on the plate. Serve your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe hot and watch it disappear fast!
How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh green onions not only gives a pleasant crunch but also a pop of vibrant green that makes this dish look as good as it tastes. If you want to take it up a notch, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a drizzle of smoky barbecue sauce can add exciting layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderful on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad to lighten the meal, or simple steamed vegetables like green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts to add color and crunch. For bread lovers, warm crusty rolls to mop up the remaining cheesy sauce is never a bad idea.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, try layering the casserole in individual ramekins for charming personal servings. It’s also fun to serve this casserole buffet style, allowing everyone to help themselves with their favorite toppings like extra bacon bits, sour cream dollops, or more cheese. This makes dinner interactive and delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days, making it an easy lunch or dinner ready to enjoy with minimal effort.
Freezing
This dish freezes really well! Wrap the cooled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, individual servings can be microwaved on medium power with a cover or microwave-safe wrap to prevent drying out. The cheese may lose a bit of its crispness but will still be delicious.
FAQs
Can I use just ground beef if I don’t have ground pork?
Absolutely! Ground beef alone works fine, though adding ground pork gives the meatloaf extra juiciness and a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
Is it necessary to add ketchup to the meat mixture?
Ketchup is optional but highly recommended if you like a hint of sweet tanginess in your meatloaf. You can skip it or substitute with barbecue sauce or tomato paste based on your preference.
Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare mashed potatoes up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just give them a good stir and possibly add a splash of milk before spreading over the meatloaf.
What can I use instead of sour cream in the mashed potatoes?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute that adds tanginess and creaminess without overpowering the dish.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The internal temperature of the meat layer should reach 160°F (71°C), and the cheese on top will be bubbly and golden brown. The mashed potatoes should be warm throughout.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is a total winner in my book, blending comforting flavors and satisfying textures in one effortless dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want something hearty and homey that everyone loves. I promise once you try it, this casserole will become a new favorite to turn to again and again.
Print
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish blending savory ground beef and pork, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe combines classic meatloaf flavors with a rich, cheesy potato topping baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Base
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup ketchup (optional for added sweetness)
Mashed Potato Topping
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (about 3–4 large potatoes, peeled, boiled, and mashed)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings & Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, finely diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Meat Layer: Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to create the bottom layer of your casserole.
- Add Ketchup Layer and Initial Bake: Optionally spread a thin layer of ketchup over the meat mixture for added sweetness and flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the meat is mostly cooked through.
- Prepare Mashed Potato Topping: While the meatloaf bakes, mix mashed potatoes with sour cream and milk. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste for a creamy and flavorful topping.
- Assemble and Add Toppings: Once the meatloaf is partially baked, spread the mashed potato mixture evenly over the meat base. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon on top.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts, becomes bubbly, and turns slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly made mashed potatoes rather than instant for creamier texture.
- The ketchup layer is optional but adds a nice sweet tang complementing the meat flavors.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
- Add chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
