Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: A Family Favorite with a Hearty Twist

Name: Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: A Family Favorite with a Hearty Twist
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; ½ pound ground pork; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 cup breadcrumbs; ½ 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; ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon; ¼ cup chopped green onions

Hi I'm Emma

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on March 13, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

A Dish That Feels Like Home

Some recipes are more than just food on a plate—they’re memories baked into every bite. For me, meatloaf was always the dish that meant family. It was the kind of meal that brought us all together, filling the kitchen with warmth and the unmistakable aroma of a home-cooked dinner. My mother made the best meatloaf, and I knew that when she was making it, we were in for a cozy, comforting night.

But as much as I loved her traditional meatloaf, I found myself wanting something even more indulgent—something that took the hearty nostalgia of meatloaf and turned it into the ultimate comfort food. That’s when Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole was born.

Imagine all the flavors you love in classic meatloaf, but layered with creamy mashed potatoes, gooey melted cheese, and crispy bacon. It’s everything comforting and satisfying about home-cooked food, packed into one irresistible dish. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this casserole has a way of bringing people together—just like my mother’s meatloaf always did.

Why This Casserole is a Must-Try

1. The Perfect Combination of Two Comfort Food Classics

At its core, this dish is a fusion of meatloaf and mashed potatoes, but the addition of cheese and bacon takes it to the next level. It’s like a cross between a shepherd’s pie and a loaded baked potato, with the heartiness of meatloaf as the foundation.

2. A Hearty, One-Dish Meal

This casserole is a full meal in itself—you get protein from the meat, starch from the potatoes, and richness from the cheese and bacon. No need to spend extra time cooking multiple side dishes when this casserole delivers everything in one pan.

3. Easy to Prepare, Even Easier to Love

Meatloaf might seem like a dish that requires a lot of effort, but this casserole makes it so much simpler. Instead of forming individual meatloaves, you press the mixture into a pan, layer it up, and bake it to golden, bubbling perfection.

4. Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers

If you love leftovers that taste just as good (if not better) the next day, this casserole is a winner. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it an easy make-ahead meal for busy days.

5. Customizable for Every Taste

One of the best things about this casserole is how easy it is to customize. Want to add more veggies? Swap out the cheese? Use a different type of meat? You can tailor it to fit your preferences while still keeping that delicious, comforting base.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Savory Meatloaf Base:

1 pound ground beef
½ pound ground pork
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup breadcrumbs
½ cup milk
1 large egg
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Creamy, Cheesy Layers:

2 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
¼ cup chopped green onions

Step-by-Step Directions

Building the Perfect Meatloaf Base

Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix ground beef, ground pork, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Layering the Creamy Goodness

Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf layer.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Add crumbled bacon and chopped green onions for extra flavor.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 820mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

Tips for Making the Perfect Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Use a Blend of Meats for the Best Flavor

For a richer taste, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork. The pork adds juiciness and depth to the meatloaf layer, making it extra flavorful.

Season the Mashed Potatoes Well

Mashed potatoes shouldn’t be bland—they should be creamy, buttery, and well-seasoned. A little garlic powder, sour cream, or even cream cheese can make them extra rich and delicious.

Shred Your Own Cheese for Better Meltability

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best results, grate fresh cheddar for the most gooey, melty topping.

Don’t Overmix the Meat Mixture

Overworking the meat mixture can make it dense and tough. Mix it just until combined to keep it tender.

Let the Casserole Rest Before Slicing

Just like meatloaf, this casserole benefits from a few minutes of rest after baking. This allows the layers to set and makes slicing much easier.

Customizing Your Meatloaf Casserole

Make it Spicy

Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

Add More Veggies

Mix diced mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers into the meat layer.
Add a layer of spinach or kale between the mashed potatoes and cheese.

Experiment with Different Cheeses

Try mozzarella for extra stretchiness.
Use smoked gouda for a deeper, smokier flavor.
Blend in Parmesan for a salty, nutty kick.

Swap Out the Meat

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Make it vegetarian by substituting the meat with lentils or black beans.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Casserole in Advance?

Yes! You can assemble it a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and bake it when ready. If baking from cold, add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.

2. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or in the microwave in individual portions.

3. Can I Freeze This Casserole?

Yes! Freeze it before or after baking for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 375°F until heated through.

4. What Can I Serve with This Casserole?

Even though this dish is a complete meal, you can serve it with:

A fresh garden salad to balance out the richness.
Roasted green beans or asparagus for added veggies.
Garlic bread for a little extra indulgence.

5. Can I Use Instant Mashed Potatoes?

While fresh mashed potatoes taste best, you can use instant potatoes in a pinch. Just make sure they’re thick enough to hold their shape in the casserole.

6. How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?

Use lean ground turkey instead of beef.
Swap mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower.
Reduce the cheese or use a lower-fat cheese option.

Final Thoughts: A Comfort Food That Never Fails

There’s a reason Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a crowd favorite—it’s everything we love about classic comfort food in one dish. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with layers of flavor, yet easy to make and endlessly customizable.

For me, this dish is about more than just a meal—it’s about tradition, warmth, and sharing good food with the people you love. Whether you’re making it for a Sunday family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy night in, it’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with delicious aromas and your heart with nostalgia.

So go ahead, grab a fork, and dig into a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite for years to come.