If you’re searching for that dreamy dinner that combines all your comfort food cravings into one bubbling, golden-topped delight, look no further than this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe. Imagine the best of hearty, homestyle meatloaf layered with creamy mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon bits, all baked until bubbly and irresistible. It’s family-friendly, surprisingly simple, and absolutely packed with flavor—there’s a good chance it’ll quickly become a regular on your dinner table!

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With a handful of fresh ingredients and a few pantry staples, this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is a breeze. Each element adds that little something extra, whether it’s the juicy meat, gooey cheese, or a pop of color on top. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters:

Ground beef (1 ½ lbs): The heart of the casserole, offering richness and savory flavor that defines classic meatloaf.
Seasoned breadcrumbs (1 cup): Helps bind the meat mixture while adding flavor and keeping things light.
Eggs (2): These work as the glue, ensuring your base holds together perfectly after baking.
Milk (½ cup): Adds moisture and tenderness to the meatloaf, making every bite juicy.
Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Provides a hint of sweetness and depth—don’t skip this for true homemade flavor!
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Just the right touch of aromatic punch to elevate the dish.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): A secret splash of umami that makes the casserole complex and mouthwatering.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors together.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a warm background spice, perfect for balance.
Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Infuses the meatloaf with subtle, herby notes. Try not to skip it!
Mashed potatoes, prepared (1 ½ cups): Creamy and luxurious, these form the pillowy top layer—leftovers or store-bought both work!
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): The star of the show—it’s not a Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe without it.
Cooked and crumbled bacon (½ cup): Adds a smoky, salty crunch you’ll crave in every bite.
Chopped green onions (2 tablespoons, optional): For a fresh pop of color and a little zing to finish.
Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents sticking, making clean-up and serving a breeze.

How to Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Set yourself up for success by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures your casserole releases easily and you’ll have beautiful, tidy squares for serving when everything’s said and done.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, seasoned breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir just until everything is evenly incorporated—don’t overmix! This helps keep the final meatloaf layer tender and juicy, not dense.

Step 3: Form and Bake the Meatloaf Layer

Press the meat mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, forming a compact layer that stretches all the way to the edges. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. If you notice some excess grease after baking, carefully drain it before moving on.

Step 4: Add the Mashed Potato Layer

Grab your mashed potatoes—whether leftover or freshly made—and gently spread them in an even layer over the hot meatloaf base. Use a spatula to smooth it out, making sure every corner gets creamy coverage. This is where the magic of comfort food really shines!

Step 5: Sprinkle Cheese and Bacon

Time for the real “loaded” treatment: generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then follow with the crumbled bacon. Try to cover every inch for maximum flavor in every bite. At this point, your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe already looks like a winner.

Step 6: Final Bake and Finish

Return the dish to the oven for another 10 to 12 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted, golden, and bubbly. As soon as it hits that glorious point, pull it from the oven, sprinkle with optional fresh green onions, and let it rest for just a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing touch makes all the difference! I love scattering a handful of freshly chopped green onions on top just before serving. Not only do they add color and freshness, but they cut through the richness of the casserole with a gentle bite. For an extra decadent flair, a drizzle of sour cream or a touch of hot sauce also pairs beautifully with this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal in itself, but there’s no harm in adding a little something on the side. Think crisp green salads with a tangy vinaigrette, tender roasted broccoli or green beans, or even a bright and crunchy slaw. These lighter sides balance the richness of your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe and ensure everyone leaves the table satisfied.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve your casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or top with extra bacon and chives to capture that “loaded baked potato” look. For parties, cut the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe into small squares and skewer them with toothpicks for irresistible, crowd-pleasing bites. Sometimes it’s all in the presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra (which is rare!), simply let the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe cool to room temperature. Cover tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container, then store in the refrigerator for up to three days. It makes a fabulous lunch the next day!

Freezing

This casserole is surprisingly freezer-friendly. To freeze, cut the cooled Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe into individual portions and wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe dish. Store for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, uncover and bake the casserole in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a minute or two, but finishing under the broiler for a minute will help restore that irresistible cheesy topping. Be sure not to overheat, so your layers stay moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use a different meat besides ground beef?

Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You may want to add a splash of extra milk or a bit more Worcestershire to boost tenderness and flavor.

What cheese works best if I don’t have cheddar?

Feel free to swap in a cheese blend, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack if you like a little heat. Each cheese brings a unique flavor, so mix and match to suit your taste or whatever’s in your fridge.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, instant mashed potatoes make a great shortcut. Just prepare them according to the package instructions—add a bit of extra butter or cream if you want them even richer. The homemade touch is lovely, but shortcuts definitely have a place!

How do I know when the meatloaf base is fully cooked?

The surefire way is using a meat thermometer: the internal temperature should reach 160°F. If you don’t have one, look for firm, cooked edges and clear juices when poked with a fork. The casserole will finish off at a high temperature as you add the mashed potato and cheese topping.

Is the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe gluten-free?

It easily can be! Just use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that all your other ingredients, including seasonings and additives, are certified gluten-free. You won’t miss a thing on flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s a good reason this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is so loved—it’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and pure comfort in every bite. If you’re craving cheesy, hearty, and downright satisfying, give this recipe a try and share it with someone you love. It just might become your go-to family classic!

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. A hearty base of seasoned ground beef topped with creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, baked to perfection. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and a delicious twist on classic meatloaf.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatloaf Layer:

1 ½ lbs ground beef
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
2 eggs
½ cup milk
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme

For the Topping:

1 ½ cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
nonstick cooking spray

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Prepare the Meatloaf: Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Press into the baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes.
Add Toppings: Spread mashed potatoes over the meatloaf, sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bacon. Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese melts.
Serve: Garnish with green onions and enjoy!