Cozy Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting a hearty meatloaf casserole that bursts with cheesy goodness takes comfort food to another level.

Every bite promises a delightful blend of rich flavors and textures.

Juicy ground beef mingles with melted cheese, creating an irresistible combination that’ll make mouths water.

Crispy edges and a golden-brown top hint at the deliciousness waiting inside.

Packed with savory herbs and a secret ingredient, this dish elevates weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary.

Comfort meets excitement in a single pan, guaranteeing smiles around the table.

Dive in and experience a meal that’ll become an instant family favorite.

Essential Components Of Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful protein that forms the foundation of the casserole.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra depth and moisture to the meat mixture.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg, Milk: Help bind the meat together and create a tender texture.
• Onion, Garlic Powder: Provide aromatic flavor and enhance the overall taste of the meatloaf.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the meat.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy layer of cheesy goodness to the casserole.
• Mashed Potatoes: Serves as a comforting and hearty topping for the meat base.
• Ketchup: An optional condiment that adds a sweet and tangy finish to the dish.

Directions To Make Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Meaty Magic

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Breadcrumbs
• Diced onion
• Egg
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Dive in with your hands and mix everything until it’s beautifully blended and smooth.

Step 3: Form the Meat Base

Press the meat mixture into your prepared casserole dish, creating an even layer.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the meat is fully cooked through.

Step 4: Layer on Creamy Comfort

Spread a generous layer of smooth mashed potatoes over the cooked meat, making sure to cover every inch with velvety goodness.

Step 5: Cheese Lover’s Dream

Shower the potato surface with a snow-like cascade of shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring maximum cheesy coverage.

Step 6: Final Bake and Melt

Return the casserole to the oven for another 10-15 minutes.

Watch as the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden blanket of deliciousness.

Step 7: Optional Flavor Boost

For an extra tangy touch, drizzle some ketchup over the top just before serving.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and settle. Slice and serve this comfort food masterpiece to eager diners.

Cooking Advice For Meatloaf Casserole Excellence

• Choose lean ground beef and pork to reduce excess grease and create a lighter texture.
• Mix meats thoroughly but avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf tough and dense.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought for a more tender and moist casserole.
• Add extra flavor by incorporating finely chopped herbs like parsley or thyme into the meat mixture.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Variations To Try With Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Mexican Fiesta Meatloaf: Replace ground pork with chorizo, add diced jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese and salsa for a spicy kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Meatloaf: Mix in oregano, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Replace mashed potatoes with herbed mashed cauliflower for a lighter version.
• BBQ Ranch Meatloaf: Swap ketchup for tangy BBQ sauce, mix ranch seasoning into the meat mixture, and sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top before serving.
• Greek-Inspired Meatloaf: Incorporate ground lamb, mix in chopped kalamata olives, use crumbled feta cheese, and serve with tzatziki sauce on the side.

Recommended Pairings For Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Comfort Meal Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp garden salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, meaty flavors and add fresh texture.

Family-Style Feast: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like broccoli or green beans to create a complete, nutritious meal that fills everyone’s plate with deliciousness.

Breakfast Remix: Transform leftovers into a morning delight by topping a slice with a sunny-side-up egg and fresh chives, creating a protein-packed breakfast experience that repurposes the casserole brilliantly.

Weekend Potluck Star: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, cutting into generous squares that showcase layers of meat, potatoes, and melted cheese – guaranteed to impress friends and family with its comforting appeal.

Storing Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Properly

• Store leftover Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• Transfer cooled casserole portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meatloaf casserole maintains quality for 2-3 months.
• Warm individual servings in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in preheated oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef and pork with ground turkey, chicken, or a combination of meats. Just ensure the total weight remains the same for consistent texture.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Also, check that your seasonings and ketchup are gluten-free.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Highlights

• Craft a Coffee Shop Classic: Recreate the beloved Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich right in your kitchen, saving money and satisfying your cafe cravings without leaving home.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn to perfectly grill bread to a golden-brown crisp while achieving that dreamy, melty cheese center using basic kitchen skills anyone can learn.
• Customize Your Comfort Food: Mix and match cheese varieties or add extra ingredients like crispy bacon or sliced tomatoes to make this sandwich uniquely yours, transforming a simple recipe into a personalized meal.
• Quick Weekday Lunch Solution: Prepare a restaurant-quality sandwich in just minutes, making it ideal for busy professionals, students, or anyone needing a fast, delicious meal between tasks.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole blends classic comfort with modern flavor twists. Meat lovers savor rich layers of ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon that create satisfying family dinner magic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1/2 lb (227 g) ground pork
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional, for topping)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel by lightly coating with cooking spray at 375F (190C).
2. Amalgamate ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, whisked egg, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients form a cohesive mixture.
3. Distribute the meat blend uniformly across the prepared dish, pressing gently to create an even layer.
4. Roast the meat foundation for 20-25 minutes, ensuring complete internal cooking and reaching a safe temperature.
5. Carefully spread a uniform layer of creamy mashed potatoes atop the cooked meat foundation, creating a smooth surface.
6. Generously cascade shredded cheddar cheese across the potato layer, covering the entire casserole surface.
7. Return the assembled casserole to the oven, baking an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbling texture.
8. Optional: Embellish with a delicate ketchup drizzle for enhanced flavor profile.
9. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5 minutes before portioning and serving to enhance structural integrity.

Notes

• Blend meats thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution and prevent dry patches in the meatloaf.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs for a more tender texture, which helps keep the meat mixture moist and light.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Consider adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to boost nutrition and introduce extra moisture to the meat mixture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 704 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 730 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
• Trans Fat: 1.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg