Juicy Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort meets indulgence in this mouthwatering cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole that promises pure culinary bliss.

Layers of savory meat blend perfectly with gooey cheese and crispy toppings.

Hearty ingredients come together in a dish that screams home-cooked satisfaction.

Families adore this classic recipe with a modern twist.

Crisp bacon and melted cheddar create an irresistible combination that makes every bite memorable.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this crowd-pleasing sensation.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it your new go-to comfort food masterpiece.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole – A Hearty, Cheesy Classic

• Simplify Baking: Skip the deep-frying mess and enjoy a healthier version of classic apple fritters with this oven-baked method that cuts down on oil and cleanup.
• Quick Family Treat: Gather everyone in the kitchen for a simple, delightful baking experience that creates warm memories and satisfies sweet cravings in no time.
• Customize with Ease: Swap apples, adjust spices, or experiment with different glazes to make this recipe your own, perfect for adapting to personal tastes or using what's on hand.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impress guests or family with a bakery-style treat that looks and tastes gourmet but requires minimal baking skills to prepare perfectly.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Ingredient Checklist

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of the meatloaf casserole.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and savory undertone to the meatloaf base.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat mixture and adds a light texture.
• Egg: Acts as a crucial binder to hold the meatloaf ingredients together.
• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: Contribute tangy and umami flavors to enhance the meat's taste.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Provide balanced and classic seasoning for the meatloaf.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creates a creamy and comforting layer over the meat base.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and a slight tanginess to the potato layer.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, melty, and indulgent cheese flavor.
• Milk: Helps achieve a smooth and creamy mashed potato consistency.
• Bacon, Green Onions: Offer crispy and fresh finishing touches to the casserole.

Steps To Build Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Meaty Magic

• Ground beef
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Gently mix ingredients until just combined. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Initial Meat Roasting

Slide the meatloaf into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked through.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Potato Topping

• Mashed potatoes
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar
• Milk
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir until silky smooth and irresistible.

Step 5: Layer and Decorate

Pull the meatloaf from the oven. Spread the potato mixture evenly across the top.

Shower the surface with remaining cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Final Baking Blast

Return the casserole to the oven for 15-20 minutes.

Watch for melted, bubbly cheese perfection.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle crispy crumbled bacon and fresh green onion slices over the top.

Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole – Flavor Boosting Secrets

• Blend meat mixture gently to prevent tough texture, mixing just until ingredients combine.
• Choose lean ground beef for healthier version, keeping moisture with added ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.
• Let meatloaf rest 5-10 minutes after initial baking to retain juices and improve overall flavor profile.
• Consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for lower-fat mashed potato topping option.
• Swap traditional bacon with turkey bacon for lighter, reduced-calorie alternative without compromising taste.

New Additions For Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Southwest Spice Blast: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chiles to meatloaf base, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and top with jalapeños for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Mix ground lamb with ground beef, incorporate feta cheese into mashed potatoes, sprinkle oregano and rosemary, garnish with chopped parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Smoky BBQ Comfort: Use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup, add smoked paprika to meatloaf, mix BBQ sauce into mashed potatoes, top with crispy fried onions for extra crunch and smoky flavor.

Pair Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole With Your Favorites

• Comfort Combo Platter: Slice the cheesy meatloaf casserole into hearty portions and pair with a crisp green salad and tangy pickles. The fresh salad cuts through the richness, creating a balanced meal that's perfect for family dinners.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve directly from the baking dish with extra green onions and hot sauce on the side. Let everyone scoop their own portion and customize their plate with additional toppings for a fun, interactive dining experience.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion the casserole into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches. The dish reheats beautifully and maintains its creamy texture, making it an excellent option for busy weekdays or quick work lunches.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole – Best Storage Tips

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label container with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in preheated oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner alternative to beef. Just ensure the meat reaches the correct internal temperature for food safety.

• Do I need to drain the meat after cooking?

If your ground beef is very fatty, drain excess grease before adding other ingredients to prevent a greasy casserole. Lean beef might not require draining.

• How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Check that all other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce are also gluten-free.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create a substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. If you’re missing some herbs, use whatever you have on hand.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole brings comfort to family dinner tables with classic American flavors. Ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beef/pork mix)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 0.5 cups (120 ml) breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cups (60 ml) ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or thyme/parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend ground beef with finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, breadcrumbs, whisked egg, tangy ketchup, robust Worcestershire sauce, aromatic Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Gently fold ingredients until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
3. Distribute the meat mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer that will cook consistently.
4. Roast the meat base for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160F, ensuring complete protein cooking.
5. Simultaneously, craft a luxurious potato topping by whisking mashed potatoes with velvety sour cream, sharp cheddar, smooth milk, seasoning with salt and pepper until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
6. Extract the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven and lavishly spread the creamy potato mixture across the surface, creating a complete coverage.
7. Generously shower the potato layer with additional shredded cheddar for maximum cheesy indulgence.
8. Return the casserole to the oven, baking for 15-20 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
9. Garnish with crispy crumbled bacon and freshly sliced green onions, adding textural contrast and vibrant flavor.
10. Serve immediately while piping hot, allowing the layers to showcase their rich, comforting qualities.

Notes

• Prevent dry meatloaf by using a blend of ground meats like beef and pork for added moisture and richer flavor profile.
• Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for those with dietary restrictions.
• Reduce fat content by using lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken and replacing some cheese with nutritional yeast for similar cheesy taste.
• Enhance meal prep by assembling casserole ahead of time and refrigerating, then baking when ready to serve, which helps flavors meld together more intensely.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg