If you’re craving comfort food with a delightful twist, this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. It combines the hearty, savory flavors of a classic meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and a glorious layer of melted cheddar and crispy bacon on top. Every bite is a cozy, satisfying explosion of texture and taste that warms both the belly and the soul. Best of all, it’s easy to put together and sure to impress family and friends alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and richness. From the savory blend of ground meats to the creamy mashed potatoes and crispy bacon, these components come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef: Provides rich, juicy flavor and a solid foundation for the meatloaf layer.
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork: Adds extra moisture and tenderness to keep the meatloaf from drying out.
- 1 small onion, finely diced: Brings a sweet, aromatic base to build savory complexity.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the meat mixture with warm, punchy garlic flavor.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat and maintain tenderness.
- 1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture to soften the meat mixture and breadcrumbs.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold everything together.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Delivers a savory umami boost that deepens the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Brings herbaceous warmth and balances the richness.
- 1/2 cup ketchup (optional for added sweetness): Provides a tangy-sweet glaze that caramelizes nicely on the meatloaf.
- 3 cups mashed potatoes: The fluffy, creamy topping that seals in moisture and adds comfort.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Makes the mashed potatoes extra creamy and tangy.
- 1/4 cup milk: Lightens the mashed potato mixture for a smooth, spreadable texture.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Season the potato topping perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melted golden cheese that adds rich, gooey goodness.
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: Brings smoky crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft potatoes.
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish: Adds a fresh, bright note for both color and flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple prep step ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Combine the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, finely diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to combine everything well until the mixture is uniform. This blend of flavors and textures will form the delicious base of your casserole.
Step 3: Form the Meatloaf Layer
Press the meat mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. This step is key for holding the entire casserole together, so make sure it’s nicely compacted without being too dense.
Step 4: Add Optional Ketchup and Partial Bake
If you love a bit of sweetness and tang, spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. This will caramelize slightly as it bakes and add an irresistible glaze. Bake the meatloaf for 20-25 minutes until it’s mostly cooked through but has not yet reached full doneness.
Step 5: Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping
While the meatloaf is baking, mix your mashed potatoes with sour cream and milk. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, creating a creamy, luscious topping that will melt perfectly over the meat.
Step 6: Top with Mashed Potatoes, Cheese, and Bacon
After removing the meatloaf from the oven, gently spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the meat layer. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon generously over the potatoes to add bursts of gooey meloness and smoky crunch.
Step 7: Finish Baking Until Golden and Bubbling
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the edges of the mashed potatoes slightly golden — that’s when you know it’s ready.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve Hot
Once out of the oven, sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a pop of fresh color and mild onion flavor. Serve your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole piping hot to enjoy all the layers of flavor in every bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions add the perfect touch of brightness to this rich dish. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for an extra hit of color and freshness that cuts through the richness wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a standalone meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli balances out the heartiness with freshness and crunch. A tangy coleslaw would also complement the cheesy, smoky notes brilliantly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole as individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. This way each serving gets its own perfectly cooked top layer of cheese and bacon. You can also add a drizzle of barbecue sauce or a dollop of sour cream on each portion for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to keep flavors fresh and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese has softened again, about 20-25 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave single portions but be careful not to overheat, or the texture might change.
FAQs
Can I use all beef instead of a mix of beef and pork?
Absolutely! The mix of beef and pork adds extra juiciness, but using all beef will still produce a delicious casserole. Just consider adding a bit of extra moisture like milk or an egg to keep things tender.
Is the ketchup really necessary?
Ketchup adds a nice tangy sweetness that balances the savory meat, but it’s optional. If you prefer a more traditional meatloaf flavor, feel free to skip it or substitute with tomato sauce or barbecue sauce.
Can I make mashed potatoes from scratch for the topping?
Yes, and it’s actually preferred! Using mashed potatoes made from scratch with real boiled potatoes, sour cream, and milk guarantees a creamy, fluffy topping that elevates the casserole.
What can I use instead of bacon for a vegetarian option?
For a vegetarian twist, skip the bacon and try adding sautéed mushrooms or smoky smoked paprika for that robust flavor without the meat.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The meatloaf layer should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety, and the cheese on top should be melted and golden. The casserole will have a bubbly appearance around the edges when ready.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire. It checks all the boxes for comfort, flavor, and ease, bringing a fresh spin on classic meatloaf that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to make it for family dinners or a cozy night in – it’s a guaranteed hit!
Print
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining seasoned ground beef and pork meatloaf topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. Perfect for family dinners, it features layers of flavor and texture, baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh green onions.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 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)
Mashed 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
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, finely diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until well incorporated but avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape Meatloaf Layer: Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming a uniform layer that serves as the base of the casserole.
- Optional Ketchup Layer and Initial Baking: For a slightly sweet finish, spread a thin layer of ketchup over the shaped meatloaf. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the meat is mostly cooked through.
- Prepare Mashed Potato Topping: While the meat is baking, mix the prepared mashed potatoes with sour cream and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a smooth, creamy topping.
- Top Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Add Cheese and Bacon: Remove the partially baked meatloaf from the oven, spread the creamy mashed potato mixture evenly over it. Then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon on top for a rich and savory finish.
- Final Baking: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese has melted completely and is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the casserole with sliced green onions for a fresh, mild onion flavor. Serve hot for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- The ketchup layer is optional but adds a nice tangy sweetness matching the savory meatloaf.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Make sure not to overmix the meat to keep the meatloaf tender and moist.
