When it comes to hearty, family-friendly dinners that deliver big on flavor, Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole stands out as a crowd favorite. Imagine the savory taste of a perfectly seasoned meatloaf combined with the rich creaminess of mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese—all baked together into a single, satisfying dish. This casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or even potlucks where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe was inspired by traditional meatloaf dinners often served in Southern households, where mashed potatoes and gravy were always paired alongside. We’ve taken that beloved combination and transformed it into a layered, baked casserole that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing make-ahead meals for the week, this dish promises to deliver warmth and flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
There’s no shortage of reasons to fall in love with this dish, but here are a few that stand out:
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All-in-One Dinner: Meat, potatoes, cheese, and even vegetables baked into one dish means less cooking and cleanup.
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Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love the cheesy, savory flavors.
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Customizable: Swap proteins, add vegetables, or adjust spices to fit your taste.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it early in the day and bake it when ready to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this layered masterpiece, gather the following ingredients:
For the Meatloaf Base:
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2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
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1 cup breadcrumbs
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2 large eggs
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1 small onion, finely diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup ketchup
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Mashed Potato Layer:
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4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
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1/2 cup milk
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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6 strips of cooked bacon, crumbled
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2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, shredded cheese, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
Press the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, forming a flat layer. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes to partially cook the meat before adding the other layers.
2. Make the Mashed Potatoes
While the meatloaf layer bakes, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Once the meatloaf base is partially cooked, remove it from the oven. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meat layer. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese generously over the potatoes.
4. Add Bacon and Bake Again
Scatter the crumbled bacon over the cheese layer. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the internal temperature of the meat reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with green onions for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve hot with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf Casserole
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Lean Ground Beef: Using 85% lean beef ensures the dish is moist but not greasy.
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Texture Matters: For fluffier mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or mash by hand rather than blending.
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Add Veggies: Mix in chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or spinach for extra nutrition.
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Cheese Options: While cheddar is classic, try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a smoky gouda for different flavors.
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Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is rich and flavorful, so you’ll want to balance it with lighter sides:
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Steamed green beans or broccoli
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A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
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Roasted carrots or asparagus
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Homemade dinner rolls or garlic bread
For beverages, pair it with iced tea, lemonade, or a bold red wine for a comforting, hearty dinner.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Assemble and freeze before baking, or freeze baked portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Variations to Try
BBQ Meatloaf Casserole
Swap the ketchup with BBQ sauce in the meat mixture and drizzle some over the top before baking.
Tex-Mex Style
Add taco seasoning to the meat, mix in black beans and corn, and top with pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
Italian-Inspired
Use Italian sausage in the meat mixture, add marinara sauce, and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Healthier Version
Use ground turkey or chicken, Greek yogurt in the mashed potatoes, and low-fat cheese for a lighter option.
Why This Recipe Works
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole works so well because it combines familiar comfort food flavors into a single dish. The meatloaf base provides a hearty, savory foundation, while the mashed potatoes add creamy, buttery richness. Bacon and cheese introduce smoky and gooey elements, making each bite satisfying and indulgent.
Additionally, the layered approach keeps everything moist and flavorful—no dry meatloaf or bland mashed potatoes here. It’s baked to perfection with just enough time for the flavors to meld without overcooking the meat.
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Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole combines savory meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, all baked together for the ultimate comfort food dinner. Perfect for family meals or make-ahead dinners.
Ingredients
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2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
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1 cup breadcrumbs
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2 large eggs
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1 small onion, finely diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup ketchup
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
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1/2 cup milk
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
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6 strips of cooked bacon, crumbled
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2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, shredded cheese, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until just combined.
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Press mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
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While baking, boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Spread mashed potatoes evenly over partially baked meatloaf. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the potatoes.
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Top with crumbled bacon and bake for another 15–20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly and meat reaches 160°F (71°C).
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Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
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You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
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Swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
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Add veggies like bell peppers or spinach to the meat mixture for extra nutrition.
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To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking, wrap tightly, and store for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
