Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a delicious twist on two classic comfort foods: meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Combining a savory, juicy meatloaf base topped with creamy mashed potatoes, gooey melted cheese, and crispy bacon, this casserole is an irresistible family dinner favorite. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend feast, this dish brings layers of flavor and texture that everyone will love. Here’s how to make it!

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf Base:

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1/2 lb (225g) ground pork

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup milk

1 large egg

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

1/2 cup ketchup (optional for added sweetness)

For the Potato Topping:

3 cups mashed potatoes (about 3-4 large potatoes, peeled, boiled, and mashed)

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup milk

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

2 green onions, sliced, for garnish

Directions:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for the casserole layers.

Prepare the Meatloaf Base:

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix the ingredients well until they are evenly combined. Press the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish to form the bottom layer of the casserole.

Bake the Meatloaf:

Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the meatloaf mixture, if desired, for a touch of sweetness. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meat is mostly cooked through.

Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping:

While the meat is baking, prepare the mashed potato topping. In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with sour cream and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste for extra creaminess and flavor.

Assemble and Bake:

Once the meatloaf is done baking, remove it from the oven and spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the mashed potatoes. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish the casserole with sliced green onions and serve hot. This cheesy, meaty, mashed potato-loaded casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd and will quickly become a weeknight favorite.

Serving Tips:

Pair with a Simple Side Salad: A fresh side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole, adding balance to the meal.

Serve with Garlic Bread: For an extra comforting meal, serve the casserole with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up any delicious sauce or melted cheese.

Add Extra Toppings: For a fun twist, consider adding more toppings such as extra shredded cheese, chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme), or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for an added burst of flavor.

Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole is great for serving to a crowd or for meal prep. You can easily portion it out and serve individual portions for an easy and hearty meal throughout the week.

Storage Tips:

Storing Leftovers:

Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. For best results, slice it into portions and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating:

Oven: To reheat, place individual slices on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Microwave: For quicker reheating, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until hot.

Reheat Only Once: To maintain the best texture and flavor, it’s best to only reheat leftovers once. Repeated reheating can make the mashed potatoes lose their creamy texture.

Related Recipes:

• Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting
• Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
• Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups

FAQs:

Conclusion:

With its combination of cheesy potatoes, crispy bacon, and hearty meatloaf, this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is sure to be a family favorite. Try it for your next dinner and enjoy the compliments!

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📖 Recipe:

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Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

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• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole combines the savory goodness of a classic meatloaf with a creamy mashed potato topping, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. This hearty, flavorful casserole is perfect for family dinners and will quickly become a household favorite. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, it’s an ideal comfort food dish that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Base:

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1/2 lb (225g) ground pork

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup milk

1 large egg

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

1/2 cup ketchup (optional for added sweetness)

For the Potato Topping:

3 cups mashed potatoes (about 3–4 large potatoes, peeled, boiled, and mashed)

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup milk

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

2 green onions, sliced, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
3. Press the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish to form the bottom layer of the casserole.
4. Optionally, spread a thin layer of ketchup over the meatloaf mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes until mostly cooked through.
5. While the meat is baking, prepare the mashed potato topping by combining mashed potatoes, sour cream, and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
6. After baking the meatloaf, spread the mashed potatoes over the meat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top.
7. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Notes

You can prepare this casserole ahead of time by assembling it and refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake.

Substitute ground pork with more ground beef or turkey for a lighter version.

Feel free to add extra vegetables to the meatloaf mixture, such as grated carrots or spinach.

If you like extra cheese, top the casserole with additional shredded cheddar or mozzarella before baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Casserole, Comfort Food, Family Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Calories: 420 kcal

Keywords: Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole, Meatloaf Casserole, Comfort food casserole, Cheesy meatloaf recipe, Loaded casserole, Mashed potato casserole, Bacon casserole, Family dinner recipe, Easy casserole recipe, Meatloaf with mashed potatoes