Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

If you love comfort food, this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is going to be a game changer for your dinner table. Imagine a hearty, flavorful meatloaf topped with creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection! This casserole is a great way to take your traditional meatloaf up a notch, combining the rich, savory flavors of a classic meatloaf with the indulgence of loaded mashed potatoes. It's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any night you’re craving something warm, comforting, and delicious. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!

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What Is a Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?

This dish is a casserole-style meatloaf topped with cheesy, loaded mashed potatoes and baked until bubbly and golden. The base layer is made of ground beef, onions, and seasonings, similar to a classic meatloaf. The topping is what sets this dish apart—creamy mashed potatoes combined with cheese, bacon, and sometimes even sour cream or green onions. This creates a rich, flavorful topping that perfectly complements the savory meatloaf below.

Ingredients List for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Here are the ingredients you'll need to create this comforting, cheesy masterpiece:

For the Meatloaf Base:

• Ground beef: 1 ½ pounds (80/20 for the best flavor and texture)
• Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (panko or regular)
• Eggs: 2 large, beaten
• Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Ketchup: 2 tablespoons
• Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Milk: ¼ cup
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
• Dried oregano or Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Paprika: ½ teaspoon (optional, for added flavor)

For the Loaded Mashed Potato Topping:

• Potatoes: 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• Butter: 4 tablespoons
• Milk or heavy cream: ½ cup (for extra creaminess, use heavy cream)
• Cheddar cheese: 1 ½ cups shredded (plus extra for topping)
• Bacon: 6 strips, cooked and crumbled
• Sour cream: ½ cup (optional but adds extra creaminess)
• Green onions: ¼ cup, finely chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper: To taste

For Garnish:

• Extra bacon crumbles
• Fresh parsley or chives: Chopped, for garnish
• Extra shredded cheese

Ingredients List for Variations and Add-ons

Want to add some variety or kick to your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole? Here are some optional ingredients and add-ons you can try:

• Ground turkey or chicken: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Vegetables: Add some finely diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meatloaf mixture for extra texture and nutrition.
• Spicy variation: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
• Garlic mashed potatoes: Mix in roasted garlic to the mashed potatoes for even more flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is highly versatile, allowing you to customize it to fit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some common substitutions:

• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats in place of regular breadcrumbs.
• Low-carb option: Instead of mashed potatoes, top the casserole with mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb option.
• Cheese variations: Feel free to use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese if you want to change up the flavor profile.
• Vegan option: Use plant-based ground beef, dairy-free cheese, and mashed sweet potatoes for a vegan twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole? Follow these easy steps for a flavorful, satisfying meal:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Base

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
2. Mix the meatloaf ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, milk, salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Use your hands to mix everything until well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
3. Shape the meatloaf base: Press the meat mixture into an even layer in the prepared casserole dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Cook the potatoes: Place the peeled and diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and return to the pot.
2. Mash the potatoes: Add the butter, milk or heavy cream, sour cream (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
3. Mix in the cheese and bacon: Fold in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Stir until the cheese melts and is evenly distributed. For extra flavor, you can also stir in green onions at this point.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread the mashed potatoes: Spoon the cheesy mashed potatoes over the meatloaf layer, spreading them out evenly with a spatula.
2. Add extra cheese: Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top of the mashed potatoes for that irresistible cheesy crust.
3. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Crispy topping: If you want an extra crispy top, you can broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of the baking time.
2. Garnish: Once out of the oven, sprinkle with extra crumbled bacon, fresh parsley, or chives.
3. Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

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

1. Prepare the meatloaf base: Mix and press the ground beef mixture into the casserole dish.
2. Make the mashed potatoes: Boil and mash the potatoes, mixing in butter, cheese, and bacon for a loaded topping.
3. Assemble the casserole: Spread the mashed potatoes over the meatloaf and top with extra cheese.
4. Bake until golden: Bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the meat is cooked through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole:

• Overmixing the meatloaf: Overworking the ground beef can make your meatloaf tough. Mix just until everything is combined.
• Not draining the potatoes well: If the potatoes are too wet, your mashed potato topping can become runny. Be sure to drain the potatoes thoroughly before mashing.
• Undercooking the meatloaf: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
• Forgetting to season the potatoes: Be sure to taste the mashed potatoes and adjust seasoning as necessary. Bland potatoes will take away from the overall flavor of the dish.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serve this comforting casserole in large, hearty slices for a family-style meal. Here are a few serving and presentation ideas:

• Plating: Slice the casserole into portions and serve alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Garnish generously: Top each serving with fresh herbs, extra cheese, and bacon for added color and flavor.
• Bread on the side: A warm, crusty slice of garlic bread pairs perfectly with this casserole for soaking up all the delicious flavors.

How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• As a main course: Serve as the main dish with a side of steamed vegetables, salad, or bread.
• For a crowd: This casserole is perfect for potlucks and large gatherings. Serve it straight from the casserole dish and let everyone help themselves.
• Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day. Simply reheat it in the oven or microwave for a quick and delicious meal.

Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Rustic platter: Serve the entire casserole in the baking dish for a rustic, family-style presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs and bacon crumbles.
• Layered plating: Spoon a portion of the casserole onto each plate, making sure the layers of meatloaf and potatoes are visible.
• Individual portions: If serving for a special occasion, use small, individual-sized ramekins to create mini meatloaf casseroles.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe Tips

• Use leftover mashed potatoes: If you have leftover mashed potatoes, this is a great way to use them up. Just reheat and mix in the cheese and bacon.
• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.
• Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. Prepare and freeze the uncooked casserole, then bake it straight from the freezer. Just add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe with ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a substitute for ground beef. Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so you may want to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the meatloaf mixture for moisture.

Q: Can I make this casserole in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Q: Can I freeze Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. You can freeze it either before baking or after. To bake from frozen, add an additional 15–20 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: What kind of cheese works best for this casserole?
A: Cheddar cheese is the classic choice for this casserole, but you can also use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for a bit of heat.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners or entertaining a crowd. The combination of savory meatloaf, creamy loaded mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese makes it an unforgettable meal. It's easy to prepare, customizable, and can even be made ahead or frozen for later. Whether you're looking for a weeknight dinner idea or something to impress guests, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Now that you've got the recipe, it's time to get cooking and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

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