Quick & Zesty Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

My ultimate comfort food dreams came alive with this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole that combines hearty flavors and irresistible textures.

Melted cheese blankets a rich, savory foundation of ground beef and classic seasonings.

Crispy edges promise a delightful crunch with every single bite.

Wholesome ingredients blend seamlessly to create a meal that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Simple pantry staples transform into something magical on your dinner plate.

Layers of melted cheese and seasoned meat guarantee a crowd-pleasing experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to make this recipe your new weeknight champion.

Serving Meatloaf Casserole for Hearty Family Meals

• Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with a crisp green salad on the side for added freshness and balance.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this dish to gatherings where comfort food is welcome, as it travels well and feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
• Leftover Magic: Store individual portions in airtight containers for quick lunches or reheat for a satisfying next-day meal that tastes just as delicious.
• Weekend Comfort Meal: Pair with a light red wine or cold beer to elevate this classic comfort food into a relaxed weekend dining experience.

Casserole Storage Directions for Best Leftover Results

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Add a splash of milk to maintain moisture.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef and pork with ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need a gluten-free version of the casserole.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Choose lean ground meat, use low-fat cheese, and consider adding more vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole for Comforting Dinners

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Transforms classic meatloaf into a hearty, crowd-winning dish that satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its rich, layered flavors.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Combines multiple ingredients in one pan, reducing prep and cleanup time, making it perfect for busy families seeking delicious, hassle-free meals.
• Customize with Ease: Offers flexible recipe options by allowing simple ingredient swaps like different cheeses, meats, or toppings to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.
• Nutritious One-Dish Meal: Packs protein from meat, carbohydrates from potatoes, and added nutrition from green onions, creating a balanced dinner solution in a single casserole.

Ingredient List for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: The primary protein that provides the hearty foundation of the casserole.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra richness and depth of flavor to the meat mixture.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk, Egg: These ingredients help bind the meat together and create a tender texture.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the meatloaf.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creates a creamy layer that adds comfort and substance to the casserole.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, melty topping that adds a delicious cheesy flavor.
• Bacon: Offers a crispy, smoky element that complements the meat and potatoes.
• Green Onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color to the finished dish.

Casserole Assembly Instructions for Meatloaf Perfection

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Meat Magic

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Diced onion
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Egg
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Gently mix everything until just blended – don’t overwork the meat!

Step 3: Shape The Foundation

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Use your hands or a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a smooth base layer.

Step 4: Potato Paradise

Spread a creamy layer of mashed potatoes across the top of the meat mixture, making sure to cover every inch.

Step 5: Dress It Up

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes.

Crumble crispy bacon on top and scatter chopped green onions for extra flavor and color.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly blanket and the meat is fully cooked.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Slice, serve hot, and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Tips for Rich, Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Opt for ground beef with 85% lean or higher to reduce excess fat and keep the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor.
• Gently combine meat ingredients just until incorporated to prevent tough, dense meatloaf texture that can make the casserole less tender.
• Pat cooked bacon with paper towels to remove extra grease, ensuring crispy topping and preventing soggy layers in the casserole.
• Replace some ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version while maintaining the delicious cheesy profile.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption, guaranteeing perfectly cooked protein.

Flavorful Casserole Variations with Meatloaf and Cheese

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef and pork with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the creamy texture and cheesy topping.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate feta cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that transforms the classic casserole.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables with its irresistible combination of ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon. Comfort meets indulgence in this classic dish that promises to satisfy hungry families with its rich, savory profile.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 0.5 pound (1/2 lb) ground pork
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)

Toppings and Garnish:

• 0.5 cup (1/2 cup) cooked, crumbled bacon
• 0.25 cup (1/4 cup) chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef, ground pork, diced onions, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning, and garlic powder until ingredients are just incorporated.
3. Gently transfer and evenly distribute the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
4. Carefully spread a smooth, consistent layer of mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese across the potato surface, creating a rich, even coating.
6. Sprinkle crispy crumbled bacon pieces and finely chopped green onions over the cheese layer for added texture and flavor.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the cheese melts completely and turns golden, and the meat reaches a safe internal temperature.
8. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to settle and facilitate easier serving.
9. Slice into hearty portions and serve immediately while warm, enjoying the layers of savory meat, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese.

Notes

• Choose lean ground meats like 90/10 beef and turkey to reduce fat content while maintaining flavor and juiciness.
• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent tough, dense texture; gently combine ingredients until just incorporated.
• Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for celiac-friendly version.
• Swap bacon with turkey bacon or plant-based bacon bits to create lighter, lower-sodium option for health-conscious individuals.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg