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Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

4.4 from 147 reviews

This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring a flavorful ground beef meatloaf base topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines classic meatloaf flavors with a deliciously cheesy and savory potato topping, baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Base

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (divided)

Topping

  • 2 cups prepared mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or use an 8×8-inch dish for a thicker casserole.
  2. Make the Meatloaf Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the ketchup. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Form and Bake the Meatloaf Base: Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it to cover the bottom. Spread the remaining ketchup evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
  4. Add the Topping: Carefully spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes, then add the crumbled cooked bacon on top.
  5. Bake Again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions or chives, if using. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing into portions and serving.

Notes

  • For a smoother mashed potato layer, use homemade mashed potatoes with butter and cream.
  • Cook bacon in advance and crumble before topping the casserole.
  • Adjust seasoning in the meatloaf base according to taste.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Meatloaf casserole, cheesy meatloaf, loaded meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef casserole, baked meatloaf, mashed potatoes topping