This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of juicy meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. It’s a hearty dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a family favorite for any weeknight dinner or special gathering.
With every bite, you’ll experience the savory flavors of the seasoned meat, the creaminess of the mashed potatoes, and the gooeyness of melted cheese. It’s topped with crispy bacon, adding a smoky crunch that will leave you craving for more. Whether you’re looking to feed a crowd or just want to indulge in a warm, satisfying meal, this casserole checks all the boxes!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until just combined.
- Form the Casserole Base: Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the Mashed Potatoes: Spread the pre-cooked mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes. Top with crumbled bacon and green onions, if desired.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meat is cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings
History and Origins of the Recipe
The concept of meatloaf has a long history, with roots traced back to ancient Rome. However, it became a popular dish in America during the 19th century, as it was a way to stretch out protein portions by adding other ingredients like breadcrumbs, vegetables, and seasonings. Meatloaf evolved into various regional forms across the United States, and casseroles, which also became popular during the 20th century, merged with meatloaf to create this loaded, layered version.
Combining mashed potatoes, cheese, and bacon makes this recipe more modern and playful, bringing a delicious twist to the traditional meatloaf by infusing it with more flavor, texture, and excitement.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food at its Best: With its layers of meat, potatoes, cheese, and bacon, this casserole hits all the comfort food notes. It’s warm, filling, and indulgent, perfect for cold evenings or when you’re craving a hearty meal.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: The familiar flavors of cheesy mashed potatoes and meatloaf make this a hit with both kids and adults. It’s an excellent choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or Sunday dinners.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you’re looking to lighten it up or pack it with extra flavor, this recipe is easily adaptable. Swap out the meats, add different veggies, or use a cheese blend to make it your own.
- Great Make-Ahead Meal: You can prepare this casserole in advance and either refrigerate it for baking the next day or freeze it for a future meal. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the next day.
Recipe Variations
- Swap the Meat: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for a leaner option. If you want a richer flavor, mix ground beef with Italian sausage.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar gives that classic, gooey cheesiness, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a mild flavor, pepper jack for a bit of heat, or a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
- Add Vegetables: To up the nutrition, consider adding sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms into the meat mixture. Alternatively, you can layer spinach or kale between the meat and potato layers for a boost of greens.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients (like Worcestershire sauce) are certified gluten-free. Crushed gluten-free crackers also work well as a binder.
- Vegan or Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground meat alternatives and vegan cheese to make a vegetarian or vegan version. Replace the egg with flaxseed mixed with water and use dairy-free butter and milk for the mashed potatoes.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh ground meat and high-quality cheese. Pre-cooked mashed potatoes work well, but making your own adds an extra homemade touch.
- Mix Gently: When combining the meat mixture, avoid over-mixing to prevent a dense, tough meatloaf. Mix just until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Layer Evenly: To ensure that every bite has all the flavors, spread each layer evenly. Use a spatula to smooth out the mashed potatoes and cheese.
- Let It Rest: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for at least 10 minutes. This helps the layers settle and makes slicing easier.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Main Course: This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted asparagus to balance out the richness of the dish.
- For a Brunch: Serve smaller slices alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and toast for a comforting brunch spread.
- With a Sauce or Gravy: While this casserole is delicious on its own, a drizzle of brown gravy or a dollop of sour cream on top can add even more flavor.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze the casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Label it with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat the casserole, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil, and bake for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes to crisp up the top. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.
Fun Fact: The Comfort Food Connection
Casseroles are beloved in many cultures because they are hearty, filling, and often evoke nostalgic feelings of home-cooked meals. The Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is an example of how simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts. It’s the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and tradition.
By sharing this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole recipe, you’re offering your readers not just a meal but a warm experience of home, family, and culinary delight. Enjoy sharing this crowd-pleasing dish on your blog!
Conclusion
The Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is more than just a simple recipe; it’s a hearty and comforting dish that brings together the flavors of traditional meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon. Perfect for any occasion, this casserole not only satisfies cravings for comfort food but also provides endless opportunities for customization. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight family dinner, a cozy gathering with friends, or as a meal-prep option to enjoy throughout the week, its versatile nature makes it a standout.