The combination of juicy meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese makes this casserole a family favorite. Each bite is a satisfying blend of savory flavors, and the cheesy topping adds a delightful texture that everyone will love.
Perfect for any meal, this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly filling. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to impress. The layers of flavor come together beautifully, and the crispy bacon and creamy potatoes make each serving a comforting treat.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1 large egg
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1/4 cup milk
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1/4 cup finely chopped onion
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 cup ketchup (divided)
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2 cups prepared mashed potatoes
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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4 slices crumbled bacon
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Chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the ketchup. Mix until just combined.
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Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining ketchup.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes until the meatloaf is fully cooked.
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Remove from the oven, spread mashed potatoes over the meatloaf, then top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
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Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, then broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden finish.
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Garnish with green onions or chives and allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes
Kcal: 470 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food
If you’re a fan of hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dishes, the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect recipe to add to your repertoire. This dish combines the classic comfort of meatloaf with the indulgent goodness of mashed potatoes, topped with gooey cheese and crispy bacon. It’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also a practical meal that’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or when you’re craving a comforting, filling meal, this casserole delivers all the best flavors in one dish.
Why Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the Best Comfort Food
Comfort food is all about satisfying our cravings for something warm, hearty, and familiar, and this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole hits the mark perfectly. It blends two well-loved dishes – meatloaf and mashed potatoes – into one irresistible casserole. The result? A comforting, filling meal that will remind you of home-cooked meals from childhood.
One of the reasons this recipe is so beloved is the balance of flavors and textures. The savory, juicy meatloaf base is complemented by the rich, creamy mashed potatoes, topped with a blanket of melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits. These layers of flavor work together to create a dish that’s both savory and indulgent, with each bite being a comforting experience.
The Benefits of This Recipe
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Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the greatest benefits of making Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is its suitability for meal prep. It’s an excellent dish to make ahead of time, store, and reheat for easy meals throughout the week. Simply prepare the casserole, refrigerate it, and you’ll have a ready-made, delicious meal waiting for you when you’re too busy to cook. -
Packed with Protein
The ground beef in this dish provides a hearty dose of protein, which is essential for building muscle and supporting overall health. Protein also helps keep you full for longer, making this casserole a filling and satisfying meal. The addition of bacon provides even more protein and flavor, enhancing the meatiness of the dish. -
Comforting Yet Wholesome
While comfort food often gets a bad rap for being unhealthy, the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole strikes a good balance. The mashed potatoes give you a comforting texture, while using lean ground beef and adding plenty of seasoning ensures that you’re enjoying a wholesome meal without sacrificing flavor. -
A Family Favorite
This recipe is perfect for families of all sizes. Kids and adults alike will love the combination of flavors, and the cheese and bacon toppings add an extra layer of fun. It’s easy to scale the recipe up or down, depending on your family size or how much you want to store for later. -
Customizable Ingredients
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. For instance, you could use turkey or chicken in place of ground beef for a leaner version, or make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. You could also add in other vegetables or herbs to customize the dish further, such as bell peppers, spinach, or thyme.
How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
This casserole makes a wonderful main dish, and you can serve it with a variety of sides to round out your meal. Some great options include a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted Brussels sprouts. If you want to keep things extra comforting, serve the casserole with extra mashed potatoes or garlic bread.
The Key to a Perfect Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
The key to making this casserole perfectly every time is ensuring each layer is evenly cooked and combined. When preparing the meatloaf base, avoid overmixing the meat, as this can make it dense. Press the meat mixture evenly into the baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes carefully over the top. This ensures that the cheese and bacon can melt properly and form a delicious, bubbly topping.
Adding Your Personal Touch
While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to add your personal touch to make it even more special. Consider adding additional spices or herbs to the meatloaf for extra flavor. You can experiment with different cheeses as well – sharp cheddar is a great option, but other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda can add a unique twist. If you like extra texture, try adding some sautéed mushrooms, onions, or even a layer of spinach between the mashed potatoes and meatloaf.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to cook a homemade meal can be challenging. This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole offers the perfect solution. It’s simple, requires minimal prep time, and bakes in just under an hour. The recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner cooks, and it doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. It’s an ideal weeknight meal for families who need something quick, filling, and delicious.
Serving Suggestions for Special Occasions
This casserole is not only great for everyday meals but also works well for special occasions and gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or a holiday meal, this casserole is sure to impress. The combination of cheese, bacon, and hearty meatloaf makes it a dish that’s perfect for celebrations. It can also be easily doubled for larger crowds, making it a fantastic choice for potlucks and parties.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftovers from this casserole are just as good the next day! Simply store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or oven until heated through. The cheese may firm up a little as it cools, but reheating will bring back that gooey, cheesy texture that makes this dish so delightful.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is an exceptional comfort food that combines hearty, flavorful ingredients in one delicious dish. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, offering the best of both worlds: the satisfying comfort of meatloaf and the indulgence of cheesy mashed potatoes. With its ease of preparation, customizable ingredients, and ability to please even the pickiest eaters, this casserole will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re craving something comforting after a long day or looking for a dish to impress your guests, this casserole is guaranteed to deliver.