Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

When it comes to hearty, comforting meals, it’s hard to beat a classic meatloaf. But what if we took it up a notch? Enter the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole—a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that layers savory ground beef with mashed potatoes, cheese, and a variety of mouthwatering toppings. This casserole brings together everything you love about meatloaf and loaded mashed potatoes, making it the ultimate comfort food for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Read on to learn how to make this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole from scratch, along with tips, substitutions, and variations to suit your tastes.

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What is a Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a fun twist on traditional meatloaf. Instead of forming the meat into a loaf, we create a layered casserole with a base of savory ground beef and a topping of mashed potatoes, cheese, bacon, and more. The result is a dish that’s packed with flavor, texture, and all the comforts of a classic meat-and-potatoes meal—plus a gooey layer of cheese for extra indulgence.

Ingredients List for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering casserole:

For the Meatloaf Layer:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
• 1 egg (beaten)
• ¼ cup milk (for moisture)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup (or BBQ sauce for a twist)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

For the Mashed Potato Layer:

• 4 large russet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• ½ cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup sour cream (for creaminess and tang)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
• 6 slices cooked bacon (chopped into pieces)
• 2 green onions (sliced thin for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Additional sour cream (optional, for serving)

Ingredients List for Meatloaf Seasoning

For a well-seasoned meatloaf, these spices and condiments are essential:

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami depth to the beef.
• Ketchup or BBQ Sauce: Adds sweetness and tang to balance the savory flavors.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a slight kick and complexity.
• Thyme or Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs to elevate the flavor of the beef.
• Garlic and Onion: Classic aromatics that build the foundation of the meatloaf.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about a casserole is its flexibility. Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or use what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

• Ground Meat: Instead of beef, you can use ground turkey, pork, or a mixture of both for a different flavor profile.
• Potatoes: Try using sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist. You could also use instant mashed potatoes to save time.
• Cheese: Mix up the cheese by using mozzarella, pepper jack, or Gouda for a different flavor experience.
• Vegetables: Add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach into the meat mixture for extra nutrition.
• Low-Carb Option: For a lower-carb version, swap out the potatoes with cauliflower mash.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s walk through how to prepare this delicious casserole step by step:

1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

• Boil the Potatoes: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and cubed potatoes and cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
• Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the melted butter, milk, sour cream, and season with salt and pepper. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Set aside while you prepare the meatloaf layer.

2. Prepare the Meatloaf Layer:

• Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
• Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined (don’t overwork the meat).
• Shape the Meatloaf: Press the meat mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, forming an even layer across the bottom.

3. Bake the Meatloaf:

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake the Meatloaf: Place the baking dish with the meatloaf layer into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

4. Assemble the Casserole:

• Add the Mashed Potatoes: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the cooked meatloaf layer, making sure to smooth it out evenly with a spatula.
• Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potato layer.
• Add Bacon: Scatter the chopped cooked bacon over the cheese for an extra punch of flavor.

5. Bake Again:

• Return the assembled casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve with an optional dollop of sour cream on top for an indulgent finish.

How to Cook Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

In summary:

1. Make mashed potatoes with butter, sour cream, and milk.
2. Mix and bake the ground beef mixture for 20-25 minutes.
3. Spread mashed potatoes over the baked meatloaf and top with cheese and bacon.
4. Bake again until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and serve with green onions, parsley, and sour cream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overmixing the Meat: Overworking the meat mixture can result in a dense, tough meatloaf. Mix just until combined.
• Undercooking the Potatoes: Make sure the potatoes are fork-tender before mashing them, or you’ll end up with lumpy mashed potatoes.
• Skipping the Resting Time: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

For the best presentation, serve your casserole in the same dish it was baked in. The layers of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and toppings will look impressive when sliced and plated. Serve with a side of green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.

How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Portion Control: Slice the casserole into individual squares, making sure each slice has a good balance of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, cheese, and bacon.
• Pairings: This casserole pairs well with a crisp salad, roasted broccoli, or sautéed green beans to add freshness to the meal.
• Sauces: Serve with extra ketchup, BBQ sauce, or gravy on the side for a fun dipping experience.

Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Rustic: Serve the casserole family-style, directly from the baking dish, and let everyone dig in.
• Layered Presentation: When serving individual portions, be sure to cut through all the layers so each plate showcases the meatloaf, mashed potatoes, cheese, and bacon.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf and mashed potatoes ahead of time, then assemble and bake the casserole when you’re ready to serve.
• Leftovers: This casserole tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze this casserole before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as instructed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole in advance?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use instant mashed potatoes. Just make sure they’re thick enough to hold their shape when spread over the meatloaf layer.

Q: How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in the meatloaf mixture.

Q: Can I substitute the ground beef for another protein?
A: Yes, ground turkey, pork, or even a plant-based meat alternative can be used instead of beef.

Conclusion

The Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining savory meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and gooey melted cheese into one delicious dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy meal, this casserole is sure to satisfy. Give it a try, and enjoy every cheesy, bacon-filled bite!

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