Are you looking for the perfect comfort food that combines juicy, seasoned meatloaf with the creamy richness of melted cheese and savory potatoes? Look no further than this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole recipe. It's a hearty dish that brings together the flavors of classic meatloaf, cheesy mashed potatoes, and your favorite toppings, creating a mouthwatering casserole that your whole family will love. Packed with flavor and super easy to make, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep. Follow along and discover how you can make this crowd-pleasing dish, step by step.

What is Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a delicious fusion of traditional meatloaf and the toppings you’d find on a loaded baked potato. Picture layers of seasoned ground beef, smothered in mashed potatoes, topped with gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions. It's a hearty and flavorful meal that combines everything you love about comfort food into one amazing dish. Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is simple to follow, and the results are absolutely divine.
Ingredients List for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this irresistible dish. The list is broken down into two main components: the meatloaf layer and the topping layer.
For the Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 ½ pounds of ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
For the Topping Layer:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
- 4-6 strips of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- Sour cream (for serving, optional)
Substitutions and Variations
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or want to customize the recipe to fit your dietary needs or preferences, here are some common substitutions and variations you can try:
- Ground Meat: Instead of using just ground beef, you can swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you're looking for a vegetarian option.
- Breadcrumbs: If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. You can also substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds for a low-carb alternative.
- Mashed Potatoes: While classic mashed potatoes work perfectly, you could use mashed sweet potatoes, cauliflower mash, or even a combination of the two for a healthier spin on the dish.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is traditional, but you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack to add a little heat.
- Toppings: If you're looking for extra flavor, try adding jalapeños, sautéed mushrooms, or even a drizzle of barbecue sauce on top before baking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get started? Follow these simple instructions to bring your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole to life!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden-brown finish on top.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until it’s fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf Base
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the dish, pressing it down to form an even layer on the bottom. You want the meatloaf to be compact but not too dense. This will ensure it stays juicy while cooking.
Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf Layer
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the meatloaf layer for about 25-30 minutes, or until it's cooked through and no longer pink in the center. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 160°F (71°C).
Step 5: Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare your mashed potatoes. If you're making them from scratch, peel and boil 2-3 large potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste. If you're using store-bought mashed potatoes, warm them up according to the package instructions.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Once the meatloaf layer is fully cooked, carefully spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Make sure to cover the entire meatloaf layer with the potatoes. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes, followed by the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions.
Step 7: Final Bake
Return the assembled casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a crispy cheese topping, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Meatloaf: Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture. Overmixing can result in a tough, dry meatloaf, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Skipping the Resting Period: After the initial bake, let the meatloaf layer rest for a few minutes before adding the mashed potatoes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meatloaf moist.
- Inconsistent Layering: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf. Uneven layering can lead to some portions being overcooked while others are undercooked.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Now that your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is perfectly baked, it's time to serve it up in style. Here are some tips for presenting and serving this delicious dish:
How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
- Serve the casserole hot, straight from the oven. Use a large serving spoon or spatula to cut it into squares and plate it.
- Pair the casserole with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.
- Offer a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce on top for extra flavor.
Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
- Sprinkle a few extra chopped green onions and crumbled bacon over the top for a beautiful garnish before serving.
- Serve in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation, especially if you’re hosting guests.
- Add a drizzle of ketchup or barbecue sauce in a zigzag pattern across the top for a pop of color and flavor.
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the meatloaf and mashed potato layers separately ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble the casserole, add the toppings, and bake.
- Freezing Instructions: This casserole freezes well! Simply assemble it, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm it up in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use instant mashed potatoes. Just follow the package instructions and adjust the seasoning to taste.
2. Can I make this casserole without bacon?
Definitely! If you’re avoiding bacon, you can leave it out or substitute it with turkey bacon, veggie bacon, or even crispy fried onions for a similar crunch.
3. What sides go well with this casserole?
This casserole is quite filling, so a light salad or some steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots would complement it well.
4. Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf layer?
Absolutely! You can mix in diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or even chopped spinach into the meatloaf for extra nutrients and flavor.
5. How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 160°F (71°C) for it to be fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check.
Conclusion
There you have it—an incredibly tasty and comforting Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole that's sure to be a hit at your dinner table. With layers of savory meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and a cheesy, bacon-studded topping, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a cozy family dinner, this casserole delivers on both flavor and satisfaction. Don't forget to try out some of the substitutions and variations to make it your own. Now, go ahead and give this recipe a try—you won't be disappointed!
PrintCheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting, hearty meal. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is easy to prepare and full of flavor, making it a favorite comfort food. Enjoy a cheesy and savory twist on classic meatloaf.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- ¼ cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- ½ cup bacon bits (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and ketchup. Mix well.
Press the meat mixture into a greased baking dish.
Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture evenly.
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the mashed potatoes and top with bacon bits if desired.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the meat is cooked through.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add your favorite vegetables to the meatloaf mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
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