Savory Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting a hearty cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Layers of savory ground beef mingle with melted cheese and crispy bacon bits.

Robust flavors promise a meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Families adore this classic dish for its rich, indulgent profile.

Simple ingredients create something extraordinary on your plate tonight.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You won’t believe how quickly this casserole becomes a new household favorite.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Extravaganza

• Savor Comforting Family Favorite: This hearty casserole delivers a delightful twist on classic meatloaf with maximum flavor and minimal kitchen effort.
• Create One-Dish Wonder: The entire meal combines protein, potatoes, and cheese in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and making meal preparation incredibly simple.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground turkey for beef, add different cheese varieties, or include extra toppings to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Impress Dinner Crowd: The visually appealing layered casserole looks gourmet but requires basic cooking skills, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients Needed For Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the meatloaf that provides rich protein and texture.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg, Milk: Key components that help bind the meatloaf mixture and create a tender consistency.

• Onion, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that add depth and aromatic flavor to the meatloaf mixture.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Seasonings that boost the savory profile of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Pre-Cooked Mashed Potatoes: A convenient base for creating a creamy potato layer.
• Sour Cream, Milk: Ingredients that make the mashed potatoes extra smooth and rich.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a melty, golden, and flavorful finish to the casserole.
• Cooked Bacon Bits: Optional topping that provides a crispy and smoky element.

• Fresh Chives, Green Onions: Light and fresh herbs that add a pop of color and mild onion flavor.

How To Layer Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Give the dish a quick spray or light coating of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Meaty Base

• Ground beef
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Breadcrumbs
• Beaten egg
• Milk
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend everything together until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

Step 3: Create the Meat Foundation

Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the meat is completely cooked through.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Potatoes

• Pre-cooked mashed potatoes
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Layer on the Cheesy Goodness

Once the meatloaf is fully cooked, spread the creamy mashed potatoes across the top. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes.

For extra flavor, add crispy bacon bits if you like.

Step 6: Final Bake

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

Watch for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden layer.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the casserole from the oven.

Garnish with fresh chives or green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dig in!

Tricks For Juicy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to create a leaner protein option. Ensure meat reaches 160°F internal temperature for safe consumption. Mix in grated parmesan or nutritional yeast for extra depth of flavor and added protein boost. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly. Prepare mashed potatoes ahead of time to reduce overall cooking time and streamline meal preparation.

Remix Your Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Vegetarian Comfort Casserole: Replace ground beef with lentils, black beans, or plant-based meat alternatives for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash to reduce carbohydrates and add extra nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-inspired casserole with extra kick.

Complementary Sides For Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Family Comfort Platter: Serve this hearty casserole with warm dinner rolls and a crisp green salad for a complete meal that hugs everyone's taste buds.
• Weekend Potluck Star: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings where hungry friends and family will devour every cheesy, meaty bite with excitement.
• Leftover Magic Remix: Transform next-day portions into delicious lunch wraps by stuffing cold casserole into tortillas with extra cheese and fresh greens.
• Game Night Champion: Cut into smaller squares for an irresistible appetizer that scores big with sports fans looking for a satisfying, protein-packed snack.

Keeping Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Tender

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole cools completely before storing.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• For freezing, place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label containers with the date and contents to track storage time.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the combination of meat, potatoes, and cheese makes this casserole appealing to children. The mild flavors and comfort food style are perfect for picky eaters.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned well to maintain flavor.

• How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C). This guarantees the ground meat is safe to eat and prevents dryness.

• What are good side dishes to complement this casserole?

Green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted broccoli work wonderfully. These lighter sides balance the rich and hearty casserole perfectly.

Hearty Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

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

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Description

Meatloaf enthusiasts will adore this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole packed with hearty ingredients and bold flavors. Melted cheese, crispy bacon, and savory meat combine for a comforting meal that satisfies deep hunger and creates memorable dinner moments.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 4 cups mashed potatoes

Meat Mixture Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 0.25 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper

Mashed Potato and Topping Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.25 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup cooked bacon bits (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef with finely diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings until the mixture is uniformly blended.
3. Gently transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, using fingertips to create an even, smooth layer that covers the entire bottom surface.
4. Roast the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches a safe, fully cooked state.
5. During the meatloaf’s cooking time, whip the pre-cooked mashed potatoes with sour cream, milk, and seasoning until achieving a silky, creamy consistency.
6. After the initial baking, carefully spread the creamy potato layer across the entire meatloaf surface, creating a uniform blanket of potatoes.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the potato layer, allowing some bacon bits to cascade across the top for additional flavor and texture.
8. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, watching until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust.
9. Extract the casserole from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped chives or green onions for a vibrant finishing touch.
10. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and the cheese maintains its melted, appetizing appearance.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains the dish’s hearty flavor profile.
• Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the meatloaf mixture to boost nutritional value and sneak extra nutrients into the meal.
• Ensure meatloaf reaches internal temperature of 160°F to guarantee food safety and prevent any potential bacterial risks during cooking.
• For gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers without compromising the texture of the meatloaf.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 464 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg