If you’re looking for a surefire family hit, Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is about to win a top spot at your dinner table! Imagine a savory, tender meatloaf base layered under creamy mashed potatoes, golden cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a pop of fresh green onion. The flavors meld together in every bite, making it both nostalgic and completely over the top in the best way. It’s the kind of comforting dish you’ll want to serve when you’re craving heartiness and bold flavor all in one pan.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is refreshingly simple, but each component plays a vital role in creating its irresistible flavor and homestyle charm. These classic pantry staples build the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and smoky in every bite.

Ground beef (1 1/2 pounds): Delivers the richness and classic meatloaf texture—feel free to swap with ground turkey for a leaner twist.
Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Help bind the meatloaf and keep it moist, ensuring the casserole holds together beautifully.
Milk (1/2 cup): Softens the breadcrumbs and adds extra tenderness to the meat mixture.
Large egg (1): Essential for binding everything together for a cohesive, sliceable casserole.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a depth of umami flavor that makes the meatloaf pop.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings in subtle warmth and savory flavor without any chopping required.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Complements the garlic and boosts overall flavor in a pinch.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the flavors and brings out the dish’s savory notes.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a gentle kick and well-rounded spice.
Ketchup (1/2 cup, divided): Both mixed in and spread on top for that classic, tangy finish.
Mashed potatoes (2 cups): Creamy and dreamy, these form the next luscious layer—leftover or store-bought both work beautifully.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts perfectly on top for maximum gooey, cheesy goodness.
Cooked bacon, chopped (4 slices): Adds smoky, salty crunch to each serving—don’t skip the bacon party!
Green onions, sliced (2): A fresh, colorful finish that gives a light crunch and splash of color.

How to Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Layer

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half the ketchup. The key here is to mix until just combined—over-mixing can make the meatloaf tough. Once everything comes together, press the meat out evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, ensuring the base is uniform for even baking.

Step 2: Add the Ketchup Topping

Spread the remaining ketchup over the surface of the meatloaf layer in a thin, even coating. This step not only gives that signature tangy-sweet glaze but also keeps the top layer moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf Base

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the meatloaf is mostly cooked through. This gives the casserole a solid foundation before adding the next layers so everything stays cohesive. If there’s excess fat, carefully tilt the dish and drain it off at this point.

Step 4: Layer the Mashed Potatoes

Next, gently spread your mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer. If your potatoes are a bit stiff, you can warm them slightly or mix in a splash of milk to make them easier to spread—just don’t compact them too much so they stay light and fluffy.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bacon

Now comes the irresistible finishing touch: sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes, then scatter the chopped bacon for that magical blend of melty, cheesy, and smoky. This transforms your dish into a truly loaded masterpiece!

Step 6: Bake Again Until Golden

Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 15–20 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges—this is what makes Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole totally irresistible.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Let your casserole cool for about 5 minutes so the layers set. Finish with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions on top for a colorful crunch and a burst of freshness just before serving.

How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Garnishes

While the chopped bacon and green onions already pack a flavorful punch, you can add an extra flourish with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Chives also make a lovely substitute for green onion, and a light drizzle of hot sauce is perfect for those who like a little zing with their Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole is truly hearty on its own, but pairing it with a fresh salad, crisp steamed green beans, or roasted veggies adds balance and color to your meal. For a full-on comfort food experience, try serving it with buttered corn on the cob or flaky dinner rolls to soak up any savory juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, use a large cookie scoop to serve individual mounds of Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole, or portion it out into ramekins for mini casseroles at a dinner party. You can also top each serving with a fried egg for a brunch-worthy spin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole can be stored in the fridge, covered tightly or in an airtight container, for up to 4 days. It actually reheats beautifully, making weekday lunches or quick dinners extra special.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then slice it into portions or freeze the whole pan well-wrapped in plastic and foil. It’ll keep for up to 2 months, and is perfect to have on hand for busy nights.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual slices in the microwave or cover the casserole and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot. If microwaving, add a splash of milk to keep the mashed potatoes creamy and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole gluten free?

Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check that the Worcestershire sauce you’re using is certified gluten free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten free.

Can I use instant or store-bought mashed potatoes?

Yes, instant or store-bought mashed potatoes work perfectly and make this casserole even quicker to assemble. For even more flavor, you can stir in a little sour cream or extra cheese to the potatoes before layering.

Is it possible to assemble Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Make and assemble the casserole right up to the final bake, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes since it will start cold.

Can I substitute other cheeses?

Feel free to get creative with the cheese layer—Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a smoky gouda all melt well and add unique flair to your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole.

What’s the best way to tell when the casserole is done?

The cheese should be bubbling and golden, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the meatloaf layer should read at least 160°F. Let it rest for a few minutes before cutting for neat slices.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as cozy or satisfying as a bubbling pan of Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole coming out of the oven. It’s a meal made for sharing and guaranteed to bring smiles to any table. Give it a try soon, and it just might become your new weeknight (and weekend) favorite!