Irresistibly Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Dinner

Crafting a mouthwatering cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Layers of savory meat blend perfectly with melted cheese and crispy toppings.

Hearty ingredients promise a satisfying meal that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of rich flavors and textures.

Melted cheese adds a creamy dimension that makes this dish irresistible.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Overview

• Comfort Food Champion: This hearty casserole delivers ultimate satisfaction with its layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and melted cheese that hugs every bite.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Minimal prep work and simple ingredients make this dish a weeknight winner that brings everyone together around the dinner table with minimal kitchen stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Customization: Easily adaptable recipe allows home cooks to swap ingredients, add extra toppings like bacon bits, or adjust seasonings to match family preferences and taste buds.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamlined cooking method means less cleanup, with everything baked together in a single dish that goes directly from oven to table, saving time and reducing dishwashing.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Ingredients

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein base that forms the foundation of the casserole.
• Egg: Helps bind the meat mixture together and provides structure.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds texture and helps keep the meatloaf moist.

• Onion, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth of flavor and aromatic profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall taste of the meat mixture.
• Ketchup: Adds a tangy sweetness and helps keep the meat moist.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creates a creamy, comforting layer over the meat base.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds a rich, melty topping that creates a golden crust.
• Bacon Bits: Optional garnish that provides a smoky, crispy element to the dish.

How to Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), getting ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Mix the Meaty Magic

• Ground beef
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Diced onion
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Ketchup

Dive in with your hands and blend everything until it’s perfectly integrated, creating a flavor-packed meat base.

Step 3: Create the Meat Foundation

Transfer the meat mixture into a well-greased baking dish, pressing and smoothing it out to create an even layer that will serve as the delicious foundation of your casserole.

Step 4: Blanket with Creamy Potatoes

Spread a generous layer of smooth mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, covering it completely like a cozy blanket of comfort.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

Shower the potato layer with a cascade of shredded cheese, ensuring every inch gets a cheesy embrace.

For extra indulgence, sprinkle crispy bacon bits across the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly masterpiece and the meat to cook through completely.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the layers settle and makes serving easier.

Cut into hearty portions and enjoy your ultimate comfort food creation.

Tips for Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Add Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the ground beef mixture for deeper, richer taste.
• Mix in a splash of milk or broth to keep the meat mixture moist and tender.
• Use a blend of sharp cheddar and monterey jack for maximum melty, gooey goodness.
• Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version.
• Partially cook bacon before adding to the top for extra crunch and intense smoky flavor.

Variations on Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Turkey Transformation: Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter, healthier version of the casserole.
• Veggie Venture: Swap meat with a plant-based alternative like lentils or crumbled tofu mixed with mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
• Low-Carb Makeover: Use cauliflower mash instead of traditional mashed potatoes to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed pork rinds to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

Serving Ideas for Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Hearty Family Feast: Serve this meatloaf casserole as a complete meal with a crisp green salad to balance the rich flavors.
• Comfort Plate Companion: Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots for added nutrition and color.
• Weekend Gathering Delight: Perfect for potlucks or family dinners, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
• Quick Leftover Makeover: Transform remaining slices into sandwiches the next day by adding a slice between toasted bread with extra melted cheese.

Storage Tips for Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350F (175C) for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and ensure even heating. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked to 165F for food safety.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the binding texture.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the combination of meat, potatoes, and melted cheese. You can even involve them in mixing ingredients.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole, a hearty dish that blends classic American flavors with modern culinary creativity. Packed with savory ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy toppings, you’ll savor each rich, satisfying bite of this ultimate comfort meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 1/2 cup bacon bits (optional)
• 1 large egg

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 cups mashed potatoes

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• salt
• pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly blend ground beef with eggs, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and ketchup until ingredients are uniformly incorporated.
2. Transfer the meat mixture into a lightly greased rectangular baking dish, pressing and smoothing the surface to create an even layer.
3. Carefully spread a uniform layer of creamy mashed potatoes across the entire meat base, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Generously distribute shredded cheese over the potato layer, creating a rich and golden topping.
5. Optional: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits across the cheese for additional flavor and texture.
6. Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until cheese melts completely and meat reaches safe internal temperature.
7. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and making it easier to slice and serve.

Notes

• Blend ground beef mixture gently to avoid tough, dense texture; overmixing can make meatloaf rubbery and compact.
• Drain excess fat after cooking to reduce greasiness and keep casserole lighter and more appetizing.
• Use lean ground beef (90/10) for healthier version without sacrificing flavor, reducing overall calorie and fat content.
• Consider gluten-free alternative by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 475 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg