Comforting Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Mouthwatering memories of childhood comfort converge in this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Comfort food reaches new heights with layers of savory meat, melted cheese, and crispy edges.

Hearty ingredients blend together in a dish that speaks directly to your soul.

Every bite tells a story of warmth and nourishment straight from the kitchen.

Rich flavors mingle beneath a golden, bubbling cheese surface that beckons you closer.

Packed with robust seasonings and unexpected touches, this casserole transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

You won’t be able to resist diving fork-first into this irresistible culinary creation.

Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Cheese Overview

• Craft a Comfort Classic: Transform traditional meatloaf into a delightful casserole that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table, perfect for satisfying hearty appetites.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Combine protein and potatoes in one dish, reducing preparation steps and minimizing kitchen cleanup while delivering maximum flavor and nutrition.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: The cheesy topping and familiar ingredients make this recipe appealing to children and adults alike, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal with enthusiasm.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground turkey for beef or add extra seasonings to match your family's taste preferences, making this versatile recipe adaptable to different dietary needs.

Ingredients for Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of this comforting casserole.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps to hold the meatloaf together and add texture.
• Eggs: Provides structure and helps bind the meat mixture.

• Onion, Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavors to the meatloaf base.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the meat.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creates a creamy and smooth layer over the meatloaf.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, melty, and golden topping that adds extra flavor and richness.

How to Make Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Create The Meaty Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onions, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to blend everything thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.

Press the mixture evenly into a baking dish, creating a smooth, compact layer.

Step 2: Bake The Initial Meatloaf

Slide the baking dish into a preheated oven at 375F (190C).

Allow the meatloaf to cook for 25-30 minutes until it develops a rich golden-brown color and is completely cooked through. The meat should be firm and no longer pink in the center.

Step 3: Add Creamy Potato Topping

Once the meatloaf is cooked, carefully spread a generous layer of smooth mashed potatoes across the entire surface. Make sure to cover the meat completely for a delightful creamy texture.

Step 4: Sprinkle Cheesy Goodness

Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potato layer, creating a tempting golden blanket of melty deliciousness.

Step 5: Final Bake And Melt

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to become perfectly melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

This helps the layers set and makes cutting and serving easier. Slice into hearty portions and enjoy your comforting meal.

Tips for Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Success

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option that still delivers fantastic flavor.
• Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary to the meat mixture for enhanced depth and complexity.
• Mix different cheese varieties like mozzarella and parmesan for a more interesting cheese profile.
• Prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and refrigerate to let flavors meld together before baking.

Variations on Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Mash Swap: Replace traditional mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb version that keeps the creamy texture and cheesy goodness.
• Turkey Transformation: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Veggie Loaf: Use plant-based ground meat alternative mixed with mushrooms and lentils, topped with dairy-free cheese for a completely meat-free adaptation.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions for Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Comforting Family Feast: Serve this hearty meatloaf casserole as a complete dinner with a fresh green salad to balance the rich flavors.
• Potluck Crowd-Pleaser: Bring this dish to gatherings or potlucks, where its cheesy topping and classic comfort food style will make everyone happy.
• Leftover Magic: Slice cold portions and reheat in the microwave for a quick lunch, or transform into a delicious sandwich filling with extra cheese and crisp lettuce.
• Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the entire casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storage Advice for Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Store leftover meatloaf casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Seal the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to prevent moisture loss and absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

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

• How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Mix in some milk or worcestershire sauce with the meat mixture to keep it moist. Don’t overmix the meat and avoid overcooking.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love cheesy, comforting dishes like this meatloaf casserole. The combination of meat, potatoes, and cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the meatloaf and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

Delicious Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole combines classic comfort with modern flavor twists. Ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners. Family gatherings become memorable when you bring this crowd-pleasing dish to the table.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 large eggs

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups mashed potatoes

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking dish and preheat the oven to 375F (190C) to ensure even cooking.
2. Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blending the ingredients to create a uniform mixture.
3. Gently press the meat mixture into the baking dish, ensuring an even layer that will cook consistently.
4. Roast the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and checking that the internal temperature reaches 160F.
5. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully spread a smooth layer of creamy mashed potatoes across the entire surface.
6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potato layer, covering completely.
7. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbling topping.
8. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps set the layers and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Perfectly blend meat mixture by gently mixing ingredients to avoid tough, dense texture.
• Consider substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for lighter, diet-friendly version.
• Enhance flavor profile by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the meat mixture for depth and complexity.
• Prevent dry meatloaf by using a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160F, maintaining moisture and food safety.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg