If you love comfort food, you're going to fall head over heels for this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole recipe! Packed with juicy ground beef, melty cheese, fluffy mashed potatoes, and crispy bacon, this dish brings together all your favorite flavors in one incredibly satisfying bite. Whether you're looking for a new twist on the classic meatloaf or a hearty meal the whole family will love, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. So grab your apron and dive into this indulgent, cheesy goodness—read on to learn how to make it from scratch, step-by-step, and pick up some tips for perfecting your casserole along the way.

What Is Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a creative spin on the traditional meatloaf recipe. Instead of simply baking a standard meatloaf, this dish layers it with mashed potatoes, cheese, and bacon for a rich, savory meal. Imagine taking a perfectly seasoned meatloaf, topping it with creamy mashed potatoes, adding crispy bacon bits, and then finishing it off with a blanket of gooey melted cheese. It’s like a cross between a loaded baked potato and a meatloaf, combining everything you love about comfort food into one delicious casserole.
Ingredients List for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering casserole:
For the Meatloaf Base:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 works best for flavor and moisture)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crispiness)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional, for a slightly tangy flavor)
For the Mashed Potato Layer:
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup milk (more or less, depending on your desired consistency)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for extra cheesiness)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is how customizable it is! Here are some substitutions and variations to make this dish fit your tastes or dietary needs:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the dish.
- Sweet Potatoes: Swap out the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile, and add a touch of brown sugar for sweetness.
- Vegetarian Version: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute for the meatloaf base and replace the bacon with veggie bacon or crispy fried onions.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn into the mashed potatoes or the meatloaf mixture for added nutrition and texture.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack, gouda, or Swiss for a new twist on flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking this dish is easy and straightforward. Here’s how to bring this cheesy, loaded casserole to life.
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the casserole cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and ketchup (if using). Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, but be careful not to overwork the meat, which can make it tough.
3. Shape the Meatloaf
Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish to create an even layer.
4. Bake the Meatloaf Base
Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
5. Boil the Potatoes
While the meatloaf is baking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 15 minutes or until fork-tender.
6. Make the Mashed Potatoes
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk as needed to get your desired consistency.
7. Assemble the Casserole
Once the meatloaf base is cooked, spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the meatloaf in an even layer.
8. Add Cheese and Bacon
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mashed potatoes, followed by the crumbled bacon.
9. Bake Again
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Cook Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s break it down further into easy steps for the ultimate success.
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Have everything ready before you start. Pre-chop the onions, mince the garlic, and dice your potatoes.
- Combine and Shape the Meatloaf: Mix the ingredients gently and evenly spread the meat mixture into the dish.
- Bake the Meat: Cook the meatloaf portion first, allowing it to set the base for the mashed potatoes.
- Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Cook and mash the potatoes to your preferred texture. Remember, you can adjust the amount of butter and milk.
- Layer and Top: Once the meatloaf base is done, add the mashed potatoes, cheese, and bacon on top.
- Final Bake: Bake again to allow the cheese to melt and blend all the layers together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make sure your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole turns out perfect, avoid these common mistakes:
- Overworking the Meatloaf Mixture: Mixing the ground beef too much can make the meatloaf tough. Combine the ingredients just until they’re evenly mixed.
- Undercooking the Meatloaf: Make sure the meatloaf base is fully cooked before adding the mashed potatoes on top. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Runny Mashed Potatoes: If your mashed potatoes are too runny, they can make the top layer too soft. Adjust the milk to achieve a thicker consistency.
- Burning the Cheese: Keep an eye on the casserole during the second bake to make sure the cheese melts but doesn’t burn. If needed, cover the dish with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
Serving and Presentation Tips
While this dish is undeniably delicious, how you serve it can elevate the experience. Follow these tips to make it even more special:
How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
- Family Style: Serve this casserole directly from the baking dish, placing it in the center of the table for everyone to dig in. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.
- With a Side Salad: Balance the richness of the casserole by serving it alongside a fresh, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- With Roasted Veggies: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or broccoli pair wonderfully with the savory flavors of the meatloaf casserole.
Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
- Individual Portions: For a more polished presentation, slice the casserole into individual portions before serving. Place each slice on a plate, and sprinkle with a little extra green onion or parsley for color.
- Bacon Rose Garnish: Get creative by rolling a strip of cooked bacon into a rose shape and placing it on top of each slice before serving.
- Cast Iron Dish: Consider baking and serving the casserole in a cast-iron dish for a rustic, homestyle presentation.
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just increase the baking time by about 10 minutes to ensure it heats through.
- Double the Recipe: This casserole freezes beautifully. Double the recipe and freeze half for a convenient meal later. Just thaw overnight and bake when you’re ready to enjoy it.
- Extra Toppings: For added flavor, top the casserole with sour cream, additional cheese, or even a drizzle of barbecue sauce after baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you're ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven.
Can I freeze Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
Absolutely. You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking or freeze leftover portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs well with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even garlic bread.
How do I know if my meatloaf is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) before adding the mashed potato layer.
Conclusion
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines everything you love about meatloaf and mashed potatoes in one delicious, cheesy dish. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even freezing for later. With its easy-to-follow steps and customizable ingredients, this casserole is bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Try it out tonight and treat your family to a hearty, cheesy meal that’s packed with flavor!
PrintCheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring seasoned ground beef, mashed potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese. It's an easy, family-friendly recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Mashed potatoes
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- Green onions (chopped)
- Eggs
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper
- Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, eggs, chopped onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Press the beef mixture into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
- Spread mashed potatoes on top of the baked meatloaf.
- Sprinkle with cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- You can also use instant mashed potatoes to save time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
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