Jump to Recipe Print RecipeOne chilly evening, as I was sifting through my favorite family recipes, I stumbled upon a comforting classic that always makes me feel at home: Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. This delightful dish is a party of flavors, featuring ground beef and pork meatloaf layered with creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. Not only does it come together in a pinch, but it also brings everyone at the table together over a hearty meal. Ideal for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole is the answer to any busy weeknight when you crave something satisfying without the fuss. But what makes it extra special? Every bite delivers a warm hug of nostalgia and a promise of leftovers that reheat beautifully. Curious about how to whip up this comforting dish in your own kitchen? Let’s dive into this recipe! Why is Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole a Must-Try? Hearty Comfort: This casserole is the ultimate in comfort food, perfect for chilly nights when you crave warmth and satisfaction. Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip it up without breaking a sweat. Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy layers and savory flavors, ensuring everyone at the table is happy. Versatile Ingredients: Customize it with your favorite toppings or swap out proteins, just like in our Cheesy Steak Rice for a twist! Leftover Delight: Not only does it serve a crowd, but the leftovers are fantastic for quick lunches. Time-Saving Meal: Ready in under an hour, it’s a quick solution for busy weeknights while providing a hearty meal that feels like a hug on a plate. Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Ingredients • Here’s everything you need to create this delectable Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. For the Meatloaf Ground Beef – the primary protein source, packed with flavor; substitute with ground turkey for a leaner dish. Ground Pork – adds moisture and richness; can be swapped with more ground beef or a plant-based alternative for vegetarians. Onion – brings depth and sweetness; shallots work as a milder substitute if preferred. Breadcrumbs – essential for binding; use gluten-free breadcrumbs if necessary to suit dietary needs. Milk – ensures the meatloaf remains moist; almond or soy milk is perfect for dairy-free diets. Egg – binds the mixture together; a flaxseed egg is a great vegan alternative. Worcestershire Sauce – infuses umami flavor throughout; use soy sauce for a gluten-free option. Salt – enhances all the flavors; go easy on it for a healthy meal. Black Pepper – adds a hint of spice; opt for white pepper for a gentler touch. Garlic Powder – elevates the dish with its savory notes; fresh minced garlic can give a bolder taste. For the Topping Mashed Potatoes – serves as a creamy, dreamy layer on top; cauliflower mash can lower the carbs if desired. Shredded Cheddar Cheese – melts perfectly, creating a gooey topping; consider non-dairy cheese if needed. Cooked, Crumbled Bacon – adds a crunchy, smoky element; omit for a vegetarian version or use plant-based bacon alternatives. Chopped Green Onions – provides a fresh garnish and a pop of color; parsley can be used for a different herbal flavor. With these ingredients in hand, you’re well on your way to creating a comforting meal that will warm hearts and nourish souls! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it well with cooking spray or a light coat of olive oil. This will prevent the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole from sticking, ensuring every delicious layer is easily served later. Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, and finely chopped onion. Add in the breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix these ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain tenderness. This flavorful mixture forms the hearty base of your casserole. Step 3: Press the Meat Mixture Transfer the meat mixture into your prepared baking dish. Using your hands, evenly press the mixture down to form a smooth top, ensuring it fills the bottom of the dish without any large air pockets. This will help the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole cook uniformly and hold together beautifully when sliced. Step 4: Add the Mashed Potatoes Next, take your creamy mashed potatoes and spread them generously over the pressed meat mixture. Use a spatula to ensure an even layer, covering the meatloaf completely. This velvety layer will create a comforting texture and flavor contrast in the casserole, making each serving a delightful experience. Step 5: Sprinkle Cheese and Toppings Now, it’s time to layer on the goodness! Evenly sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes. Follow this with crumbled bacon and a scattering of chopped green onions. These ingredients will not only enhance the flavors but also create a beautiful, appetizing look on top of your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. Step 6: Bake the Casserole Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on your casserole; it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the meat has reached a safe internal temperature of 160°F. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible! Step 7: Cool and Slice Once it’s done baking, remove the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This resting time allows the layers to firm up and makes for cleaner slices. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends! Expert Tips for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Avoid Overmixing: Mixing the meat too much can lead to a tough texture. Just combine until ingredients are evenly distributed for a tender loaf. Season Your Mashed Potatoes: Don’t forget to season those mashed potatoes! A little butter, salt, and pepper will elevate the dish, enhancing the overall flavor of your cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole. Check for Doneness: Invest in a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. It guarantees the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat. Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to cool slightly before slicing makes it easier to serve and helps it hold its shape beautifully. Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to swap the cheddar for different types of cheese. Pepper jack can add a delightful kick to your cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole! Variations for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Feel free to get creative and tailor this casserole to suit your taste buds! Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy milk and cheese with almond milk and a vegan cheese for a creamy yet dairy-free version. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the meatloaf mix for an extra layer of heat that will keep your palate excited! Vegetarian Delight: Use a plant-based ground meat alternative in place of beef and pork, and enjoy a delicious meat-free version. Flavor-Bursting Mix: Experiment with different aromatics like fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to infuse the meatloaf with an extra depth of flavor, just like you might in a Cheesy Baked Broccoli. Cheese Galore: Instead of cheddar, mix it up with pepper jack for spiciness or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different creamy topping. Smoky Flavor: Replace the crumbled bacon with smoked paprika in the meatloaf mixture and add sautéed mushrooms for a rich, smoky taste that’s simply divine. Cauliflower Twist: Swap traditional mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash to create a lighter, lower-carb topping that remains creamy and satisfying. Herbaceous Finish: Top your casserole with fresh herbs like chives or parsley before serving for a refreshing burst of color and flavor! With these creative twists, you can bring something new to the table every time you make your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole! Make Ahead Options These Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and layer it in the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to bake, just add the mashed potatoes, cheese, and toppings before placing it in the oven. Alternatively, you can assemble the entire casserole and freeze it for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, bake as directed, and enjoy that comforting taste without the fuss! What to Serve with Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Enhance your dining experience with delightful accompaniments that complement this comforting dish. Garlic Bread: Toasted and buttery, it complements the rich flavors while adding a crispy texture that your family will love. Serve it warm to soak up any remaining sauce. Fresh Garden Salad: A vibrant mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a refreshing crunch, balancing the hearty casserole wonderfully. Toss with a light vinaigrette for extra brightness. Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized broccoli or Brussels sprouts bring a smoky, earthy flavor to the table, creating a delightful contrast to the cheesy notes of the casserole. Creamy Coleslaw: This tangy side dish offers a cool, creamy element that pairs nicely with each warm, savory bite. It’s a classic comfort food companion that everyone enjoys. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness and softness provide a contrasting taste and texture, making for a wholesome side that rounds out the meal beautifully. Chilled White Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc refreshes the palate, perfectly complementing the richness of the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, these warm, gooey treats satisfy your sweet tooth whimsically and are a beloved finish to any family gathering. How to Store and Freeze Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the casserole completely before sealing to maintain freshness. Freezer: To freeze, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months for a tasty future meal. Reheating: For the best results, reheat individual servings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that creamy texture and avoid sogginess. Serving Leftovers: Transform leftovers into quick lunches by pairing with a side salad or steamed vegetables, ensuring you enjoy your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole even on busy days! Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe FAQs What kind of meat should I use for the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole? Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using a mix of ground beef and ground pork—this combination provides a hearty richness. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey can be substituted. How do I store leftovers of the casserole? Very simple! Store any leftover Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to maintain the best freshness. Can I freeze the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole? Definitely! To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. This will keep them fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. What should I do if my casserole is too watery? If you find your casserole is too watery, the issue may stem from excess moisture in the meat or mashed potatoes. Next time, try using less milk in the meat mixture and ensure your mashed potatoes are thick and creamy. A simple solution is to bake the casserole a bit longer uncovered, allowing excess moisture to evaporate. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Absolutely! If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, this recipe is quite flexible. You can make a vegetarian version by using plant-based meats and omitting bacon. For gluten-free options, simply substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs and soy sauce where necessary. Always check your ingredients for allergens to keep everyone safe. How long does it take to prepare the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole? This comforting dish comes together quickly—prep time is around 15 minutes, and baking time is about 35-40 minutes. In total, you can have a delicious homemade casserole ready in under an hour, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights! Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole for Ultimate Comfort Nights Discover the warmth of Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole, a hearty dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any dinner table. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Meatloaf1 pound Ground Beef can substitute with ground turkey1 pound Ground Pork can swap with more ground beef or a plant-based alternative1 cup Onion finely chopped; shallots can be used as a milder substitute1 cup Breadcrumbs gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used1/2 cup Milk almond or soy milk is a dairy-free option1 large Egg a flaxseed egg is a great vegan alternative2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce soy sauce can be used for gluten-free1 teaspoon Salt adjust for dietary needs1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper white pepper can be opted for a gentler taste1 teaspoon Garlic Powder fresh minced garlic can provide a bolder flavorFor the Topping3 cups Mashed Potatoes or cauliflower mash for lower carbs2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese consider non-dairy cheese if needed1 cup Cooked, Crumbled Bacon omit for vegetarian or use plant-based alternatives1/4 cup Chopped Green Onions can substitute with parsley Equipment 9x13 inch baking dishMixing Bowlspatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until just combined.Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish and press down evenly.Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the pressed meat mixture.Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onions over the mashed potatoes.Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meat is fully cooked.Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg NotesFor best results, avoid overmixing the meat to keep it tender. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
