Name: Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 cup ketchup (divided); 2 cups prepared mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that wins everyone over, you’re going to fall in love with Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. Imagine your favorite classic meatloaf reimagined with ultra-creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheddar, and a layer of smoky bacon all baked together in one irresistible casserole. It’s pure comfort food, the sort of dish that tempts you for just one more forkful, perfect for laid-back Sunday dinners or for filling up hungry family members after a long day. Every bite is a cozy, savory, cheesy delight.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish? The ingredient list is short, wonderfully simple, and every item earns its spot. Each component brings something essential—juiciness, texture, golden crunch, or rich, melty goodness—making this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole truly unforgettable.

Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a perfect balance of flavor and minimal grease.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meat and keep it juicy without becoming dense.
Egg: Acts as a binder for that classic meatloaf texture.
Milk: Adds moisture, making every bite tender.
Finely Chopped Onion: A bit of sweetness and bite that tempers the richness of the beef.
Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle, savory warmth in every forkful.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip!
Black Pepper: For a gentle, peppery kick.
Worcestershire Sauce: Classic umami and depth you expect in great meatloaf.
Ketchup: Half for savory inside, half for a sweet-tangy topper.
Prepared Mashed Potatoes: The fluffy, creamy “loaded” crown—homemade or store-bought both shine.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden blanket any cheese lover will crave.
Bacon (cooked and crumbled): Adds smoky, salty crunch that perfectly complements mashed potatoes.
Chopped Green Onions or Chives (optional): A fresh, pop of color and mild zip for finishing.

How to Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything bakes up evenly and gives those cheese and mashed potatoes time to form that crave-worthy golden top. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking dish. If you like a thicker casserole with towering layers (highly recommended!), opt for the smaller size.

Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Base

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and half the ketchup. Use a gentle touch—mix just until everything comes together. Overmixing can lead to a dense base, so less is more here!

Step 3: Form and Bake the Meatloaf Base

Press the meat mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it into an even layer right to the edges. Take the rest of your ketchup and spread it in a thin, glossy coating on top—this is where that signature tang and sweetness comes in. Pop it into the oven for 20-25 minutes until the meatloaf is cooked through and set.

Step 4: Add the Topping

Once the meatloaf base is baked, it’s time for the real magic—layering on those loaded toppings! Gently dollop and spread the mashed potatoes over the meatloaf using a spatula, getting all the way to the edges to seal in juiciness. Sprinkle on the shredded cheddar for utter meltiness, and don’t forget the crumbled bacon for that satisfying crunch.

Step 5: Bake Again

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. This gives the cheese a chance to melt into bubbling pockets of gold and infuses every bite with rich, loaded potato flavor. Peek in at the 10-minute mark—when it’s golden and irresistible, it’s ready!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with a sprinkle of green onions or chives for a bright, fresh counterpoint to those rich layers. Let it cool just a few minutes before slicing—it will be easier to serve and even more delicious!

How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Garnishes

For the perfect finish, scatter a handful of freshly chopped green onions or chives right over the hot, cheesy top. Not only does this add a beautiful pop of color, but it also delivers a fresh bite that balances the richness of your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. You can even sprinkle on a touch of cracked black pepper or an extra pinch of bacon if you’re feeling extra indulgent!

Side Dishes

Because Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is already hearty, you can keep sides simple: a crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette or some roasted green beans work perfectly. For a true comfort feast, serve it with buttery corn or steamed broccoli. The flavors of the casserole go with just about anything, but especially lighter, fresher sides that balance out all that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to turn your casserole into a showstopper, try baking individual portions in ramekins or mini loaf pans—everyone will have their own personal Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole! Another idea: use a piping bag for the mashed potatoes, swirling them over the meatloaf layer before baking for a gorgeous, bakery-worthy look. Or serve squares on a bed of fresh arugula for an elevated weeknight dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making leftovers a treat for next-day lunches.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool and then wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. This makes busy nights so much easier and means you can enjoy Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole on demand!

Reheating

For best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through—that way, the cheese gets gooey again and the mashed potato topping comes back to life. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too; just cover the portion with a damp towel to keep the potatoes from drying out.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken work beautifully for a lighter version, and you can even mix in ground pork or sausage for extra flavor. Just be mindful of adjusting seasonings if you swap the meat.

Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?

Yes, store-bought mashed potatoes save time and still taste fantastic layered atop this casserole. Just make sure they’re creamy (not watery) for the best texture in your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole.

Is this recipe gluten free?

The traditional recipe uses breadcrumbs, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can swap in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check all sauces for hidden gluten to make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole safe for everyone.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic, but you can get creative—try a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack for a spicy kick. The key is to use a good-melting cheese so every bite has that gooey, irresistible magic.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Definitely! Assemble the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole completely, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the kind of hearty, comforting food that brings people together. It’s simple to make yet delivers so much flavor, and the layers are just as impressive on a holiday table as they are at a cozy weeknight meal. Give it a try—you’re bound to fall in love with every melty, loaded, bacon-kissed bite!

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. A hearty meatloaf base topped with creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. It’s a delicious twist on a classic favorite!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or an 8×8-inch dish for a thicker casserole.
Make the Meatloaf Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the ketchup. Mix until well combined.
Form and Bake the Meatloaf Base: Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it to cover the bottom. Spread the remaining ketchup on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink.
Add the Topping: Carefully spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, then add the crumbled bacon.
Bake Again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, and sprinkle with green onions or chives, if desired. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American