If you’re on the hunt for the perfect comfort food that combines savory flavors with a satisfying twist, then Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is exactly what you need. This hearty, flavor-packed casserole takes the classic meatloaf to the next level with a cheesy topping, crispy bacon, and creamy mashed potatoes. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a weeknight meal, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Let’s dive into this ultimate cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole recipe, featuring ground beef, ground pork, and a luscious mashed potato topping, making this a meal everyone will rave about.
Ingredients for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
Before you get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious casserole. With these simple ingredients, you’ll create a dish that combines the richness of meatloaf with the indulgence of cheesy mashed potatoes.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared in advance)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Why These Ingredients Work Together
The ground beef and ground pork combo provide a juicy, flavorful base for the meatloaf. The breadcrumbs and milk add moisture and keep the meatloaf tender. The Worcestershire sauce brings a depth of umami flavor, while the garlic powder, salt, and pepper offer the perfect seasoning. And then, there’s the ultimate indulgence: the cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions that turn this casserole into a loaded delight.
Preparing Your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
Preheat the Oven
To kick things off, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for ensuring your casserole is cooked all the way through without drying out. While the oven is warming up, grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mixing the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky yet firm enough to maintain its shape. This is the foundation of your meatloaf that will hold the cheesy, bacon-filled topping.
Shaping the Meatloaf
Once the mixture is ready, transfer it to the prepared casserole dish. Press it down evenly to cover the bottom of the dish. Be sure to smooth the surface to ensure the meatloaf bakes uniformly and doesn’t have any uneven spots. The mixture will expand as it cooks, so make sure it’s packed tightly for a firm, juicy texture.
Adding the Mashed Potatoes
Next, take the prepared mashed potatoes and spread them evenly over the top of the meatloaf. You can use either homemade mashed potatoes or store-bought ones, depending on what you prefer or have time for. Spread the potatoes with a spatula to ensure they cover the entire meatloaf base, creating a creamy layer. This is what makes the casserole extra comforting and rich!
Topping with Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, and Green Onions
Now it’s time for the fun part of topping your casserole! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes. As the casserole bakes, the cheese will melt into a gooey, delicious layer that perfectly complements the savory meatloaf. Next, scatter the crumbled bacon over the top. The bacon adds a crispy, smoky flavor that will elevate the entire dish. Finally, sprinkle the chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness that balances out the richness of the meatloaf and cheese.
Baking the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Put the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. During this time, the cheese will melt, the bacon will crisp up, and the casserole will be bubbling with flavor. To ensure the meatloaf is fully cooked, check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). If you want the top to be a little extra crispy, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, just keep a watchful eye to avoid burning.
Serving Your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
Let It Rest Before Slicing
Once your casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the flavors to settle and ensures that the meatloaf holds together when cut. Slice into generous portions and serve hot!
Pairing with Sides
To make this dish even more satisfying, pair it with some fresh veggies or a light salad. The creamy mashed potatoes and savory meatloaf complement perfectly with a crunchy salad, while roasted vegetables bring a fresh, earthy balance to the meal. If you’re looking for an indulgent experience, serve it with garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole has approximately:
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
This dish provides a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, making it a filling meal perfect for family dinners. While indulgent, it’s still packed with flavor and heartiness to satisfy your hunger.
Variations and Customizations
Try Different Meats
While this recipe uses a mix of ground beef and ground pork, you can always customize it by using all ground beef, ground turkey, or even ground chicken. For a leaner version, swap out the pork for turkey or chicken, and you’ll still have a delicious meatloaf base.
Add More Vegetables
Feel free to sneak in extra vegetables to make the dish even more nutritious. Finely chopped bell peppers or zucchini can be added to the meat mixture, offering extra vitamins and a subtle flavor. You could also try adding spinach or mushrooms for added depth.
Make It Spicy
If you love a little heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or sprinkle some jalapeños on top before baking. The heat from these additions will contrast wonderfully with the rich, cheesy topping.
FAQs about Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Simply assemble the meatloaf, add the mashed potatoes and toppings, and cover the dish with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, just remove it from the fridge, preheat the oven, and bake as directed. This is a great option for meal prepping or when you’re short on time.
Can I freeze Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the entire casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, or bake from frozen (just add a little extra time).
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs in this recipe?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand or prefer a gluten-free option, you can use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats instead. These substitutions will still give you the binding and texture needed to hold the meatloaf together.
Conclusion
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. The combination of juicy ground beef, savory pork, and creamy mashed potatoes topped with gooey cheese and crispy bacon will make this casserole a favorite in your home. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply looking for a delicious family dinner, this dish delivers flavor and heartiness every time.
Looking for more comforting casserole ideas? Try out these recipes:
- Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food
- BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: A Comfort Food Favorite
- Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe
These dishes pair wonderfully with your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole and will bring even more deliciousness to your table. Enjoy!
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Easy Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole – A Family Delight
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a comfort food lover’s dream! With layers of savory ground beef and pork, creamy mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions, this casserole is a deliciously filling dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well until fully combined.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared casserole dish, pressing it evenly to cover the bottom.
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf, smoothing them out with a spatula.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes, followed by the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free crackers or oats.
- Feel free to add additional veggies to the casserole, such as peas or corn, for extra flavor.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole, Loaded Meatloaf Casserole, Comfort Food Casserole, Bacon Meatloaf, Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes, Cheddar Meatloaf