Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

If you’re in the mood for a comforting, hearty meal that’s loaded with flavor, this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect dish to try. Combining the classic meatloaf we all know and love with the richness of mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, this casserole is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish guarantees to satisfy appetites and warm hearts. The best part? It’s all baked in one dish, making clean-up a breeze while still delivering a decadent meal everyone will enjoy. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Filling

This casserole is packed with protein from the ground beef, and the mashed potatoes on top create a comforting, filling layer. It’s a satisfying meal on its own, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.

2. Loaded with Flavor

The combination of savory meatloaf, rich mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.

3. Cheesy Goodness

The melted cheddar cheese on top adds the perfect amount of creaminess and tang to balance out the savory meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

4. Simple and Easy to Make

This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated steps. You simply assemble the ingredients, bake, and enjoy!

5. One-Dish Meal

Everything comes together in one baking dish, making cleanup quick and easy. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Base:

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Large egg
• Milk
• Finely chopped onion
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Worcestershire sauce
• Ketchup

For the Topping:

• Prepared mashed potatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cooked bacon (crumbled)
• Chopped green onions or chives (optional)

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or lentils for a vegetarian-friendly take on the casserole.
• Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition and flavor, add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to the meatloaf base.
• Use Different Cheese: While cheddar cheese is delicious, you can try other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for a unique twist on the flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add some chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture or sprinkle chili flakes over the mashed potatoes for an extra spicy kick.

How to Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.

Step 2: 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 everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Form and Bake the Meatloaf Base

Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to cover the bottom. Spread the remaining ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink.

Step 4: 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.

Step 5: Bake Again

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with green onions or chives if desired. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips for Making Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to prevent excess grease from collecting in the casserole.
• Prepare Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought mashed potatoes to save on prep time.
• Don’t Overmix the Meat: Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture, as this can result in a dense meatloaf. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients.
• Crisp Up the Bacon: For extra crispy bacon, cook it a little longer in the oven or on the stove before adding it to the casserole.

How to Serve

This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded dinner. It’s also great with a side of crusty bread to scoop up any extra cheese or ketchup!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.

Reheating

Reheat leftover casserole in the microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef, but keep in mind it will be leaner and have a different flavor.

2. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

You can use instant mashed potatoes, but homemade mashed potatoes will provide a creamier texture and better flavor.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf and mashed potatoes in advance, assemble the casserole, and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it the next day.

4. How do I make the mashed potatoes creamy?

Add butter, milk, and a bit of sour cream to your mashed potatoes to make them extra creamy and flavorful.

5. Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?

Absolutely! Feel free to add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

6. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can use mozzarella, gouda, or any cheese you like for the topping. Choose a cheese that melts well for the best results.

7. Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Be sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and store it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

8. What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or even panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture.

9. Can I skip the bacon?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of bacon or want a lighter version, you can leave it out or replace it with something like cooked sausage or turkey bacon.

10. How long does this casserole take to cook?

The casserole takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, with an initial 20-25 minutes for the meatloaf and an additional 10-15 minutes to melt the cheese.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines all the best comfort foods into one mouthwatering meal. With its rich meatloaf base, creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or when you just want a comforting dinner, this casserole is easy to make and full of flavor. Give it a try, and watch it disappear from the dinner table!

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