Irresistibly Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crafting a mouthwatering cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Savory aromas will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Layers of rich meat, melted cheese, and hearty vegetables promise a satisfying meal.

Families gather around, eager to dig into this classic dish with a modern twist.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tender meat and gooey cheese.

Crispy edges and soft center create a delightful texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

You’ll want to make this recipe a regular part of your weekly menu.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Details

• Whip Up Family Comfort: A hearty dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table with its rich, satisfying flavors and classic appeal.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Minimal prep work and straightforward ingredients make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Layer Deliciousness Easily: Build incredible flavor by stacking meat, potatoes, and cheese in one simple casserole, creating a complete meal that's both filling and crowd-pleasing.
• Transform Leftovers Magic: Easily adaptable recipe that allows you to use leftover ingredients like mashed potatoes or bacon bits, reducing food waste and saving money.

Ingredients for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful protein that forms the core of the casserole.
• Bread Crumbs: Help bind the meat mixture and provide a light, tender texture.
• Onions: Add savory depth and aromatic sweetness to the meat base.
• Egg: Serves as a binding agent to hold the meat mixture together.

• Ketchup, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Create a balanced and zesty flavor profile for the meat mixture.

• Mashed Potatoes: Provide a creamy, comforting layer over the meat base.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, melty, and tangy cheese flavor to the casserole.
• Bacon Bits: Contribute a smoky, crispy texture and intense flavor to the dish.

How to Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).

Grab a casserole dish and give it a quick spray or rub with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Meaty Base

• Ground beef
• Bread crumbs
• Diced onions
• Egg
• Ketchup
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Dive in with your hands and mix everything until it’s perfectly combined and looks like a unified meat mixture.

Step 3: Layer the Meat

Press the beef mixture into the greased casserole dish, creating an even, smooth layer that covers the entire bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Spread the Creamy Potato Topping

Grab your prepared mashed potatoes and gently spread them over the meat layer, creating a delicious blanket of comfort.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Bacon Finale

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese across the potato surface.

Scatter crispy bacon bits over the cheese for an extra flavor explosion.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese transforms into a melted, bubbly golden masterpiece.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

This allows the layers to settle and makes serving much easier.

Dig in and enjoy your comfort food creation!

Tips for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Mix ground beef gently to avoid overworking, which can make the meatloaf tough and dry.
• Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to enhance the meat mixture's taste profile.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and become creamy.
• Replace bread crumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version.
• Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits for different dietary preferences without losing the smoky flavor.

Flavor Variations for Meatloaf Casserole

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with lentils, black beans, or plant-based meat alternatives for a hearty meatless version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower for a lighter, keto-friendly option that reduces carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle taco seasoning for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Meatloaf Casserole

• Comfort Food Family Feast: Gather loved ones around this hearty casserole for a satisfying weekend dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings where everyone craves a classic, cheesy comfort meal that's sure to impress.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Slice cold leftovers and reheat in a skillet for a crispy breakfast-style hash topped with a fried egg.
• Game Day Crowd Delight: Serve alongside crisp green salad and crusty bread for a filling meal that'll keep sports fans happy and satisfied.

Storage Advice for Meatloaf Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring food safety and maintaining flavor.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving the casserole's texture and taste.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner alternative. Just ensure it’s 85% lean or higher to maintain moisture in the meatloaf casserole.

• How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This ensures the ground meat is safe to eat and fully cooked.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. When ready, pop it in the oven and enjoy a quick, delicious meal.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole delivers comfort and satisfaction in one delightful dish. Ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon create a memorable meal that home cooks will absolutely adore.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Binding and Filler Ingredients:

• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup diced onions

Flavor and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with bread crumbs, finely chopped onions, beaten egg, tangy ketchup, aromatic garlic powder, and seasonings until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Gently press the meat mixture into the prepared dish, creating a uniform and compact base layer.
4. Carefully spread a smooth, even layer of creamy mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the potato surface, followed by a scattering of crispy bacon bits.
6. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly topping.
7. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5 minutes, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter, healthier version of this hearty casserole.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend to create unique flavor profiles.
• Prepare extra bacon bits and sprinkle them right before serving to maintain their crispy texture and add a fresh crunch.
• Make this dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 545 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg