Ooey-Gooey Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets culinary creativity with this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole that promises to revolutionize weeknight dinners.

Layers of savory goodness blend perfectly between melted cheese and hearty meat.

Forget boring traditional meatloaf – we’re talking about a dish packed with bold flavors and unexpected textures.

Crispy edges, tender center, and a cascade of melted cheese make this recipe irresistible.

Bacon bits and green onions add a delightful crunch that elevates every single bite.

Rustic yet sophisticated, this casserole brings together classic ingredients in a seriously delectable way.

Prepare to impress everyone at the table with this crowd-pleasing masterpiece that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Flavor Versions

• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace ground meats with lentils, black beans, or plant-based crumbles. Use dairy-free cheese and mashed cauliflower instead of traditional potatoes for a protein-packed, gluten-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Meat Lover's Option: Substitute mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower or roasted turnips. Use lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content while maintaining hearty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Ensure all seasonings and sauces are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Adaptation: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes into the meat mixture. Top with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and sprinkle with fresh herbs for a vibrant flavor profile.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! This casserole has familiar flavors like beef, cheese, and mashed potatoes that most children enjoy. The combination of meat and potatoes makes it a comfort food that kids typically love.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf and mashed potato layers separately, assemble them in the baking dish, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

• What type of ground meat works best?

A combination of ground beef and ground pork provides the best flavor and texture. If you prefer, you can use all ground beef or swap in ground turkey for a leaner option. Aim for meats with about 15-20% fat content for the juiciest result.

• How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Mix the meat gently and avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf tough. The added milk, egg, and Worcestershire sauce help keep the meat moist. Also, the partial initial baking and topped mashed potatoes help retain moisture.

Loaded Meatloaf Casserole That’s Cheesy and Filling

• Quick Family Dinner Solution: Transform classic meatloaf into a hearty, one-dish meal that satisfies everyone's comfort food cravings.
• Minimal Prep Brilliance: Combine ingredients swiftly, layer effortlessly, and create a complete meal with just one baking dish and simple mixing steps.
• Time-Saving Comfort: Prepare this entire casserole in under an hour, delivering maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort and cleanup.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combines popular ingredients like cheese, bacon, and creamy mashed potatoes that appeal to both children and adults, making mealtime stress-free.

Meatloaf Casserole (Cheesy Loaded) Ingredients

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Rich, flavorful base for the meatloaf, providing hearty texture and depth of taste. Choose lean cuts for better texture.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg, Milk: Help hold the meat together and keep it moist. Breadcrumbs from day-old bread work best.

• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Add complexity and savory notes to the meat mixture. Use fresh ground pepper for more intense flavor.

• Prepared Mashed Potatoes, Sour Cream, Milk, Garlic Powder: Creates a creamy, smooth topping. Use warm potatoes for easier mixing.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Crumbled Bacon, Chopped Green Onions: Provides rich, tangy cheese flavor and crispy bacon bits with fresh onion garnish. Opt for sharp cheddar for more robust taste.

Meatloaf Casserole Cheesy Bake

Step 1: Mix Meaty Magic

Create a flavor explosion by combining ground beef and ground pork in a large mixing bowl.

Add breadcrumbs to help bind everything together.

Crack in a fresh egg and pour in milk to keep the mixture super moist.

Dice up some onions for extra zest.

Splash in ketchup and Worcestershire sauce for deep, rich flavor.

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently mix ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Step 2: Form and Prepare Base Layer

Press the meat mixture evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.

Slide the dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25 minutes until partially cooked.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Potato Topping

While the meat bakes, transform plain mashed potatoes into a luxurious layer.

• Sour cream
• Milk
• Garlic powder

Blend until smooth and irresistibly creamy.

Step 4: Layer with Cheesy Goodness

Remove the partially cooked meat base from the oven.

Spread the potato mixture evenly across the top.

Generously sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

Crumble crispy bacon over the entire surface.

Step 5: Final Bake and Bubble

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into golden, bubbly perfection.

Step 6: Finish and Feast

Pull the casserole from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped green onions.

Let it rest for 5 minutes to set, then serve this ultimate comfort food masterpiece.

Casserole Tips for Loaded Cheesy Meatloaf

• Pat ground meats with paper towels to remove extra grease, ensuring a lighter, less oily casserole texture.
• Mix ground beef and pork for richer, more complex flavor profile that elevates the overall taste of the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or gouda to add unique depth and personal twist to the mashed potato layer.
• Prepare casserole components separately and assemble just before baking to save time and maintain optimal texture and freshness.
• Let meatloaf rest briefly after initial baking to prevent excess liquid from making the potato layer soggy and maintain perfect consistency.

Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Again

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, storing for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Tasty Sides for Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich meaty flavors and cut through the cheesy potatoes. Its robust tannins match perfectly with the hearty protein.
• Crisp Green Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heaviness. Fresh, tangy greens provide a refreshing contrast against the rich, creamy dish.
• Serve Roasted Vegetable Side: Add garlic-roasted Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots for extra nutrition and color. These caramelized vegetables enhance the meal's overall taste profile and add nutritional variety.
• Recommend Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a malty amber ale or brown ale with subtle hop notes. Its robust character stands up to the meat's intensity while cleansing the palate between bites.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole brings comfort and excitement to family dinner tables. Packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients, you’ll savor every delicious bite of this classic American comfort dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork (optional)

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 cup (80ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (75g) diced onion
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Mashed Potato Layer Ingredients:

• 3 cups (450g) mashed potatoes (prepared and seasoned to taste)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust meat foundation by gently blending ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, diced onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel. Ensure ingredients are harmoniously integrated without excessive manipulation.
2. Transfer the meat mixture into a generously greased 9×9-inch baking vessel, pressing the composition uniformly to create a consistent layer that will serve as the casserole’s hearty base.
3. Position the baking dish in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, allowing the meat layer to partially cook for approximately 25 minutes. The protein should develop initial firmness without achieving complete doneness.
4. Simultaneously, transform prepared mashed potatoes into a luxurious topping by whisking in sour cream, milk, and garlic powder until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
5. Extract the partially cooked meat layer and delicately spread the creamy potato mixture across its surface, creating a smooth, even coating.
6. Lavishly distribute shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the potato layer, ensuring comprehensive coverage for maximum flavor intensity.
7. Return the casserole to the oven, continuing baking for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, effervescent blanket and the edges develop a tantalizing crispness.
8. Once removed from the oven, garnish with finely chopped green onions to introduce a fresh, vibrant element. Allow the casserole to settle for 5 minutes before serving, enabling flavors to harmonize and structural integrity to stabilize.

Notes

• Blend meats gently to keep the texture tender and prevent tough, dense meatloaf.
• Drain excess fat after initial meatloaf baking to reduce greasiness and improve overall dish appearance.
• Use lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version without compromising flavor and moisture.
• Consider gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a low-carb alternative that maintains the casserole’s structure.

• Prep Time: 20minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg