Name: Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 cup white onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste; 3 cups leftover (garlic) mashed potatoes; 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated; 1/3 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled

Jump to Recipe

If you crave pure comfort food with maximum flavor, Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is about to become your new go-to. Imagine layers of savory ground beef, garlicky mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and loads of gooey cheddar cheese, all baked together into one soul-satisfying casserole. This dish is everything you love about meatloaf and loaded mashed potatoes — but even better, because it’s all in one irresistible bake. Whether you’re looking to make the most of leftovers or treat your loved ones to something special, Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole brings pure coziness and crowd-pleasing flavors to your dinner table.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is refreshingly simple yet packed with big, bold flavors. Each item plays a crucial role, from bringing depth and juiciness to adding creamy layers and a crispy topping. Here’s what you’ll need and why each makes a difference:

Leftover (garlic) mashed potatoes: Not only does this create a creamy, flavorful lid for your casserole, but it’s the perfect way to use up extra mash from a previous meal.
Lean ground beef: This forms the hearty and savory base, delivering classic, juicy meatloaf flavor.
White onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and moistness that rounds out the meat mixture beautifully.
Garlic, minced: Boosts every bite with savory aroma and depth — always use fresh if you can.
Brown sugar: Just a touch for balancing flavors, lending a gentle caramel note to the meat mixture.
Worcestershire sauce: This classic seasoning is key for that signature umami-rich meatloaf taste.
Italian breadcrumbs: They bind everything together with a little herbiness and help retain moisture.
Large egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring the casserole slices neatly and holds together.
Sharp cheddar cheese, grated: Its tangy meltiness is the “cheesy” highlight in Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole — don’t skimp on quality!
Bacon (cooked and crumbled): Crispy, salty bites add a loaded baked potato vibe and irresistible smokiness.
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that tie all the flavors together.

How to Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

Start by gathering a large bowl and adding your lean ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Use two forks or your hands to gently mix everything together. This technique ensures the meat doesn’t get overworked, keeping it tender and juicy. Don’t forget to season liberally with kosher salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper, which brings out all those delicious layers of flavor.

Step 2: Bind the Meatloaf Base

Sprinkle in the Italian breadcrumbs and add the large egg to the bowl. These binders are crucial for holding everything together in the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole, so make sure they’re well distributed. Mix just until combined — overmixing can make the base dense instead of perfectly moist.

Step 3: Layer and Assemble

Transfer the prepared ground beef mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish and gently press it into an even layer. This creates a sturdy foundation for the next decadent layers. Next, evenly spread your leftover garlic mashed potatoes over the meat mixture. The beautiful thing about this step is how easily the potatoes meld with the savory beef underneath, promising flavor in every forkful.

Step 4: Add the Cheesy and Bacon Topping

Now comes the fun part! Sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese generously on top of the potatoes. Follow that up with a hearty layer of crumbled, crispy bacon. This combination creates that signature “loaded” experience in every bite of Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole and ensures you’ll have a bubbly, golden crust when it comes out of the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and slide it into a preheated 400º F oven. Let it bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil to let the cheese get melt-y and bubbling, with irresistible crispy edges. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and everything is piping hot all the way through. Serve while it’s still beautifully gooey!

How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Garnishes

The right garnish not only brightens up your casserole but also adds textural contrast. Try scattering some freshly chopped chives, sliced green onions, or an extra pinch of crispy bacon atop the finished dish. A final dusting of freshly cracked black pepper brings a fragrant finish and an appetizing look.

Side Dishes

Since Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is rich and hearty, simple sides are your best bet. Pair with a crisp green salad in a tangy vinaigrette or some simply roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. A good slice of buttered bread or dinner rolls is perfect for soaking up every bit of cheesy goodness left on the plate!

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style meal, serve right from the baking dish on a cozy weeknight. Want to impress guests? Try scooping individual portions into ramekins and finishing with extra cheese under the broiler for a bubbly topping. Or, layer leftovers into a sandwich for a decadent meatloaf melt — the possibilities for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole are endless and deliciously fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it great for lunch meal prep or a quick weekday dinner.

Freezing

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole freezes surprisingly well. To freeze, cool the casserole completely, then wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay tasty for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To warm up, simply cover and reheat portions in the oven at 350º F until heated through, or microwave individual servings until hot and steamy. If you want to revive that bubbly cheese topping, just broil for a couple minutes right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes if I don’t have leftovers?

Absolutely! Store-bought mashed potatoes work well in a pinch. If you’d like, stir in a little roasted garlic or extra butter to mimic the homemade flavor for your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even a blend of ground pork and beef all make great substitutes. Just be mindful of fat content and adjust seasonings as needed for the best results.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Simply bake when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Certainly! Swap the Italian breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats, and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

How can I make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole extra cheesy?

If you love things extra cheesy, mix some grated mozzarella or Monterey Jack in with the sharp cheddar, or add an extra layer of cheese beneath the mashed potatoes for double the melt factor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole enough for anyone who loves hearty, family-friendly comfort food with a fun twist. It’s simple, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser — plus, it makes leftovers something to actually look forward to. Give this favorite a try soon, and I guarantee it’ll become a regular in your cozy dinner rotation!

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole takes classic meatloaf to a whole new level with layers of creamy mashed potatoes, savory ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. It’s a comforting and indulgent dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400º F.
Mix the meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper, then mix in breadcrumbs and egg.
Assemble: Press the meat mixture into a baking dish, layer mashed potatoes on top, and sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bacon.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

This casserole is great for using up leftover mashed potatoes.
Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite ingredients like green onions or jalapenos.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American