Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

A Comforting Twist on a Classic Dish

If you love traditional meatloaf but crave something even more indulgent, Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect dish for you. This hearty casserole combines all the comforting flavors of a classic meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheese, and crispy bacon. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Hearty: A meatloaf base packed with flavor, topped with cheesy mashed potatoes and crispy bacon.
• One-Pan Convenience: Everything bakes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
• Customizable: Easily tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences, such as using different cheeses or adding vegetables.
• Great for Leftovers: The flavors meld even better the next day, making it a fantastic meal prep option.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Base:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Topping:

• 3 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Base

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf is almost fully cooked.

Step 2: Add the Toppings

5. Remove the dish from the oven and drain any excess grease.
6. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf base.
7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
8. Top with crumbled bacon and chives, if using.
9. Lightly dust with paprika for added color and flavor.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

10. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

• Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Different Cheese: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.
• Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Mix in sour cream and green onions for extra flavor.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach into the meat mixture.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Absolutely! Instant mashed potatoes work fine, but homemade offers the best flavor and texture.

What side dishes go well with this casserole?

A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread complement the dish well.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in the meatloaf mixture.

How do I prevent my meatloaf from being too dry?

Adding enough liquid (milk, ketchup, or Worcestershire sauce) and not overbaking helps keep it moist.

Can I add eggs to the mashed potatoes?

Yes, stirring in an egg yolk makes the mashed potatoes richer and creamier.

What’s the best way to drain grease from the meatloaf?

Tilt the dish slightly and use a spoon to remove excess grease before adding the toppings.

Can I use leftover meatloaf?

Yes! Crumble or slice cooked meatloaf, layer it in the dish, and add toppings before baking.

How can I make this dish lower in carbs?

Use mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes and almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.

What other meats work well in this dish?

Ground pork, lamb, or venison can be used alone or mixed with beef for variety.

Conclusion

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole takes the classic comfort of meatloaf to a whole new level. With creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon, it’s a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try it out and customize it to your taste for the ultimate comfort food experience!

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