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Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Featured in The Stars of the Table.

This ultimate comfort food casserole takes meatloaf to new heights by turning it into the perfect base for layers of creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, crispy bacon and fresh green onions. The seasoned meatloaf stays incredibly juicy while developing amazing flavor, creating the ideal foundation for all those comforting toppings. As it bakes, the cheese gets perfectly melty while the bacon adds irresistible crunch. The green onions provide a fresh pop that cuts through all the richness. Pure comfort food bliss in every bite!
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 23:05:21 GMT
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A slice of lasagna layered with ground beef, cheese, and topped with fresh parsley on a black plate. Pin it
A slice of lasagna layered with ground beef, cheese, and topped with fresh parsley on a black plate. | tasteofcook.com

My Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole brings together everything we love about comfort food. Those layers of seasoned beef creamy mashed potatoes melted cheddar and crispy bacon make magic in one dish. It's become our family's favorite way to transform classic meatloaf into something extra special.

What Makes It Special

This isn't just dinner it's a hug in a casserole dish. Simple ingredients come together for something truly amazing. Whether you're feeding a crowd or wanting leftovers for busy days it never disappoints.

Your Shopping List

  • Ground Beef: Nice and fresh not too lean.
  • Potatoes: Russets make the creamiest mash.
  • Sharp Cheddar: Fresh grated melts best.
  • Bacon: Crispy bits make everything better.
  • Eggs: Bind everything perfectly.
  • Breadcrumbs: Keep meat mixture tender.
  • Seasonings: Garlic onion powder herbs make it sing.
A hearty slice of lasagna topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh parsley on a dark plate. Pin it
A hearty slice of lasagna topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh parsley on a dark plate. | tasteofcook.com

Let's Make Magic

Start Your Base:
Mix meat, eggs, breadcrumbs, seasonings just right.
Layer With Love:
Spread meat mixture, then those creamy potatoes.
Top It Off:
Shower with cheese, sprinkle bacon pieces.
Into The Oven:
Bake till golden, bubbly, perfect.

Make It Perfect

Good ingredients make all the difference. Get that oven nice and hot spreads everything even. Don't overwork that meat keeps it tender. Want to prep ahead? Assemble cover chill till ready.

Mix It Up

Try turkey or chicken makes it lighter. Add peppers onions boost those veggies. Going veggie? Lentils mushrooms work beautifully with plant based cheese.

Perfect Partners

Fresh salad alongside keeps it balanced. Roasted asparagus steamed broccoli add color. Want extra cozy? Warm garlic bread does the trick. Fresh herbs on top makes it pretty.

Keep It Fresh

Cools down goes in containers keeps 4 days nice. Freezes up to 3 months wrapped right. Warm in the oven covered keeps everything moist. Quick portions? Microwave works just watch it close.

Lighter Options

Lean turkey cuts the fat down. Try mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes. Light cheese works fine too. Sneak in zucchini carrots nobody notices.

Quick Answers

Yes prep it ahead bake when ready. Leftovers heat up beautifully. Fresh herbs or dried both work fine. Any cheese you love melts nice on top.

A close-up of a layered lasagna with ground beef, melted cheese, and herbs on top, served on a gray plate. Pin it
A close-up of a layered lasagna with ground beef, melted cheese, and herbs on top, served on a gray plate. | tasteofcook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead?

Assemble casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Add 10-15 minutes to bake time if cooking from cold.

→ What potatoes work best?

Any mashed potatoes work - homemade or prepared. Just ensure they're thick enough to layer.

→ Can I use different meats?

Ground turkey or chicken can substitute. Keep some fat content for moisture.

→ Why let it rest?

Resting 10 minutes helps flavors meld and makes slicing cleaner and easier.

→ Can I freeze this?

Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

A delicious and hearty casserole that combines multiple comfort food elements into one satisfying dish.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Hearty casserole combining meatloaf, mashed potatoes, cheese and bacon layers for the ultimate comfort food dish.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 Ground beef - 1 pound.
02 Ground pork - 1/2 pound.
03 Onion, finely chopped - 1 small.
04 Breadcrumbs - 1 cup.
05 Milk - 1/2 cup.
06 Egg - 1 large.
07 Worcestershire sauce - 1 tablespoon.
08 Salt - 2 teaspoons.
09 Black pepper - 1 teaspoon.
10 Garlic powder - 1 teaspoon.
11 Mashed potatoes - 2 cups.
12 Cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup.
13 Bacon, cooked and crumbled - 1/2 cup.
14 Green onions, chopped - 1/4 cup.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 375°F. Grease 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 02

Combine meats, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings.

Step 03

Press meat in dish. Top with mashed potatoes.

Step 04

Sprinkle with cheese, bacon, and green onions.

Step 05

Bake 35-40 minutes until cheese bubbles and meat is done. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Can be made ahead.
  2. Rest before slicing.
  3. Customize with different cheeses and meats.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Large mixing bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~