Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both irresistibly comforting and showstoppingly delicious? The Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole will quickly become your family’s favorite! Imagine a savory meatloaf base topped with creamy mashed potatoes, a gooey layer of melted cheese, and crispy turkey bacon, all finished with a sprinkle of fresh green onions. This casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, blending homey flavors with just the right amount of indulgence. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or gathering everyone at the dinner table, Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole promises to steal the spotlight and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole shine is the clever mix of classic ingredients—each one adding its own special touch to the dish. You only need a few simple components, but together, they deliver on taste, texture, and even a pop of color!

• Ground Beef (1 pound): The hearty base, adding beefy flavor and plenty of protein to your casserole.
• Ground Pork (1/2 pound): Gives your meatloaf extra juiciness and a subtle richness that complements the beef.
• Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic layer to every bite.
• Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Absorbs just enough moisture to keep the casserole tender but never soggy.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Moistens the meat mixture, yielding that sought-after soft, lush texture.
• Egg (1 large): The essential binder that helps everything hold together without being dense.
• Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Delivers an incredible savory boost, enhancing all the meaty, umami goodness.
• Salt (2 teaspoons): Balances all the flavors—don’t skimp!
• Black Pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of warmth and bite.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): A touch of earthy, garlicky flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Mashed Potatoes (2 cups): Creamy, fluffy, and oh-so-satisfying as the classic comfort-food topping.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts to golden, bubbly perfection—the best part for cheese lovers!
• Cooked and Crumbled turkey Bacon (1/2 cup): Brings smoky, salty crunch that puts this casserole over the top.
• Chopped Green Onions (1/4 cup): Adds a fresh burst of color and flavor to each forkful.

How to Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which ensures you’ll get that coveted bubbly cheese topping. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this not only prevents sticking but also helps the casserole release easily when you’re ready to serve.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Don’t overmix—just stir until everything is combined and uniform. This careful mixing keeps your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole tender rather than tough.

Step 3: Press into the Baking Dish

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared dish, pressing it into an even, compact layer. Take a moment to smooth the top—this will become the perfect surface for your fluffy mashed potatoes.

Step 4: Layer on the Mashed Potatoes

Gently spread your mashed potatoes over the meat layer, smoothing them out to cover edge to edge. The potatoes keep the beefy layer moist while baking and form the “loaded” base for all those classic toppings.

Step 5: Add Cheese,turkey Bacon, and Green Onions

Sprinkle shredded cheddar generously across the potatoes, followed by crumbled turkey bacon and a scatter of green onions. This trio creates an explosion of gooey, crispy, and fresh flavors that make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole unforgettable.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. You’re looking for cheese that’s melted and bubbly, and a meat layer that’s cooked all the way through. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before slicing, which helps the layers set and makes serving a breeze.

How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, a little extra fresh chopped green onion or a sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper over the top works wonders. Some folks also love a drizzle of creamy ranch or a handful of minced parsley to brighten up the finished plate.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines alongside a fresh and tangy green salad or classic roasted vegetables. For a cozy meal, serve it with crunchy garlic bread or simple buttered peas—these sides help balance the richness of the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop generous portions into individual ramekins for a dinner-party spin, or use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes for kids. For lunch leftovers, try serving a slice of Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole nestled inside a toasted sandwich bun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover casserole cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container, and it’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days. This makes for a fantastic next-day lunch or quick weeknight dinner reheated in a snap!

Freezing

The Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is freezer-friendly! Cut cooled leftovers into portions, wrap them tightly, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a couple of minutes, or warm larger batches in a covered baking dish at 350°F until heated through. For extra-crispy cheese on top, uncover for the last few minutes in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use all ground beef instead of a beef and pork mix?

Absolutely! While the combo brings extra flavor and juiciness, you can make this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with only ground beef if you prefer or if that’s what you have on hand.

Do I need to make fresh mashed potatoes, or can I use leftovers?

Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly in this recipe and actually make the meal come together even faster. Just make sure they’re not too dense—if they’ve thickened up in the fridge, stir in a splash of milk.

What other cheeses can I use?

Cheddar gives classic sharp flavor, but feel free to get creative! Try Colby Jack, mozzarella for extra meltiness, or even pepper jack if you want a little kick. The key is picking a cheese that melts well.

My casserole seems watery. What happened?

Too much liquid can come from extra-moist mashed potatoes or overmixing the meat mixture. Double-check your potatoes aren’t runny, and mix the meatloaf base just until combined for the best results.

Is this casserole good for meal prep?

Yes! Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a meal-prepper’s dream—just assemble, bake, and portion for quick and satisfying lunches or dinners all week.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the warmth and nostalgia of a homemade meal, give Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole a try—it’s comfort food at its finest with layers of flavor in every bite. Gather your loved ones, dig in, and let this easy dish bring smiles to your table!

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