The Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe For Dinner

Comfort meets indulgence with this mouth-watering cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole that promises to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.

Packed with savory ground beef and a medley of rich, melted cheese, this dish brings warmth to any dinner table.

The layers of flavor blend perfectly, creating a hearty meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Crispy edges and a soft, juicy center make every bite an experience to remember.

Topped with golden cheese and a hint of herbs, this casserole transforms a classic meatloaf into something extraordinary.

Simple ingredients come together to create a dish that speaks to the heart of home cooking.

You’ll want to savor every delectable forkful of this irresistible comfort food.

Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole – Why It’s a Must-Try

• Dive into a hearty meal that wraps you in pure comfort, blending classic meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and crispy bacon for the ultimate family-pleasing dinner.
• Swap ingredients or add your favorite seasonings to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for home cooks who love to experiment and put their personal touch on classic dishes.
• Minimal prep work means you can have a delicious, filling meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or lazy weekend cooking.
• Simplify your cooking and cleanup with this all-in-one casserole that combines protein, potatoes, and toppings in a single baking dish, reducing dishes and making mealtime a breeze.

Ingredients for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the core of this comforting casserole.
• Egg: Helps bind the meat mixture together and adds richness.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides texture and helps keep the meatloaf moist.

• Garlic, Onion: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and savory notes to the meat mixture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a tangy and umami flavor to the ground beef.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Mashed Potatoes: A creamy and comforting layer that crowns the meat base.
• Cheese: Adds a melty, gooey texture and rich flavor to the casserole.
• Bacon: Provides a crispy, smoky element that complements the meat and potatoes.

Equipment for Meatloaf Casserole

• 8-inch baking pan: Perfect for shaping and baking the meatloaf casserole.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining meat and seasonings.
• Mixing spoon or spatula: Helps blend ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Aluminum foil: Covers the dish during initial baking.
• Oven mitts: Protects hands when handling hot dishes.

Steps to Prepare Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F and get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Create the Meaty Base

• Minced garlic
• Diced onion
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs

Massage everything together until perfectly blended – no lumps allowed!

Step 3: Build Your Flavor Tower

Grab an 8-inch baking dish and gently press your seasoned meat mixture into the bottom, creating an even layer that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 4: Layer on the Deliciousness

• Shredded cheese
• Crispy crumbled bacon

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover your masterpiece with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve this ultimate comfort dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Meatloaf Casserole Tips to Know

• Cover the meatloaf with foil during initial baking to keep the meat juicy and prevent drying out.
• Crisp the bacon separately before adding to ensure a crunchy texture on top of the casserole.
• Use a sharp cheddar or blend of cheeses for a more complex, rich flavor profile.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this hearty dish.
• Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for deeper flavor infusion.

Cheesy Meatloaf – Twists and Add-Ins

• Vegetarian Comfort Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Use vegetable broth for moisture and nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash. Use ground turkey or ground chicken. Add extra cheese and crispy bacon bits for richness.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Replace Worcestershire sauce with tamari. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean Inspired Spin: Mix ground lamb instead of beef. Add fresh herbs like oregano and mint. Top with feta cheese and serve with tzatziki sauce.

Serving Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole

• Hearty Family Dinner Companion: Pair this rich meatloaf casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the heavy flavors and add freshness to your meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Side Kick: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots or broccoli to complement the dish's savory profile and boost nutritional value.
• Weekend Comfort Plating: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and added herbaceous note that brightens the entire casserole presentation.
• Leftover Magic Tip: Slice cold meatloaf and create delicious sandwiches the next day, using extra cheese and a bit of mustard for an amazing lunch transformation.

Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole Storage Advice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F, ensuring food safety and maintaining delicious flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned and mixed with breadcrumbs to maintain moisture.

• How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Mix in an egg and breadcrumbs, and don’t overmix the meat. The egg helps bind ingredients and keeps the meat tender and juicy.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love cheesy, meaty dishes with crispy bacon on top. The mashed potato layer makes it extra appealing to children.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and assemble it in the pan earlier in the day. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables across America. Hearty layers of ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) crumbled bacon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) sharp cheddar cheese

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 grams) Italian breadcrumbs
• 3 cups (680 grams) mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped white onion
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F, ensuring a hot environment for optimal cooking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with minced garlic, diced onions, and Worcestershire sauce for enhanced flavor depth.
3. Incorporate beaten egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, kneading gently to maintain a tender texture.
4. Transfer the meat mixture into an 8-inch baking dish, pressing evenly to create a uniform layer that will cook consistently.
5. Spread a generous layer of creamy mashed potatoes across the meat foundation, creating a smooth and even surface.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese liberally over the potato layer, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melting potential.
7. Crumble crispy bacon pieces across the cheese, distributing them evenly for balanced flavor in each bite.
8. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the meat to cook thoroughly.
9. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and make cutting easier.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter texture in the casserole.
• Sauté onions and garlic beforehand to enhance their sweetness and mellow flavor before mixing with meat.
• Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed pork rinds for low-carb dieters.
• Allow the meatloaf to rest 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing easier without falling apart.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 100mg