CHEESY LOADED MEATLOAF CASSEROLE Recipe

If you are craving a hearty, comforting dish that hits every flavor note just right, you will adore this CHEESY LOADED MEATLOAF CASSEROLE. It’s not just any meatloaf—it’s a luscious layered masterpiece combining savory ground beef with a sweet-savory mix of onions, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar, topped with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. Ready to become your new weeknight favorite, this casserole brings together all the best elements of a home-cooked meal in one easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this CHEESY LOADED MEATLOAF CASSEROLE is straightforward, yet each one is crucial for achieving those layers of rich, mouthwatering flavor and the perfect balance of textures. From the hearty ground beef to the crispy bacon topping, every item plays a delicious role.

• 1 pound lean ground beef: This forms the flavorful and moist meatloaf base without being too greasy.
• 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion: Adds sweetness and a subtle bite to brighten the meat mixture.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the meat with warm, aromatic depth that’s irresistible.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Gives a slight sweetness that balances the savory elements perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and richness to elevate the meat’s flavor profile.
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf while keeping it tender and moist.
• 1 large egg: Acts as the natural binder, making sure everything holds together beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of heat and balance to the seasoning.
• 3 cups garlic mashed potatoes: The creamy topping that makes this casserole fabulously comforting.
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese: Provides a gooey, tangy, melty finish that everyone loves.
• 1/3 cup crispy bacon, crumbled: Adds crunch and smoky flavor to the cheesy top.
• 2 sliced green onions (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish for brightness and a little bite.

How to Make CHEESY LOADED MEATLOAF CASSEROLE

Step 1: Preparing the Meatloaf Base

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lightly greasing an 8-inch square baking dish to ensure nothing sticks. In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef with chopped onion, minced garlic, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients work beautifully together to create a flavor-packed meat mixture that is both savory and slightly sweet.

Step 2: Binding the Mixture

Add in the Italian breadcrumbs, egg, kosher salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy. This careful mixing ensures that every bite is tender but holds its shape well in the casserole.

Step 3: Layering the Casserole

Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, forming a solid but even layer. Then, spread the garlic mashed potatoes evenly over the meatbase—these creamy potatoes not only add richness but also help keep the meat moist during baking.

Step 4: Adding the Cheesy Bacon Topping

Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes, followed by the crumbled crispy bacon. This topping provides wonderful flavor contrast: melty cheese meets crunchy, smoky bacon, making the CHEESY LOADED MEATLOAF CASSEROLE crave-worthy from the very first bite.

Step 5: Baking to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the meat cook through. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, giving that irresistible crispy finish that everyone loves. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving—this resting period helps the casserole set perfectly for clean slices and fuller flavors.

How to Serve CHEESY LOADED MEATLOAF CASSEROLE

Garnishes

Sliced green onions add a fresh, mildly sharp bite and a beautiful pop of color, perfectly balancing the richness of the casserole. Sprinkle them just before serving for a bright, crunchy finish that elevates every plate.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a full meal on its own, but if you want to round out the plate, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables. Light, fresh sides complement the hearty, cheesy main dish and keep the meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the CHEESY LOADED MEATLOAF CASSEROLE family-style right from the baking dish for warm, cozy vibes, or slice it neatly and plate alongside colorful roasted vegetables for a beautiful presentation. Individual servings in small ramekins also make for charming portions perfect for dinner parties or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This casserole keeps really well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the leftovers even more delicious, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead for easy meals later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. Assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before baking.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain that lovely crispy cheese topping. Microwaving works for convenience but may soften the crispy bacon and edges, so oven reheating is best for preserving texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this CHEESY LOADED MEATLOAF CASSEROLE?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a leaner version and still works wonderfully well with the other ingredients. Just be mindful to not overcook as turkey can dry out faster.

Is it necessary to use garlic mashed potatoes or can I substitute with regular mashed potatoes?

Garlic mashed potatoes add a lovely savory depth, but plain mashed potatoes work just fine too. You could always stir in some garlic powder or fresh minced garlic to keep that flavor.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the Italian breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the texture pleasant without gluten.

How do I get the cheese on top bubbly and golden?

The key is removing the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This exposure to direct heat allows the cheese to melt beautifully and develop that gorgeous golden crust.

Can I prepare the entire casserole the day before?

You can assemble everything up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. When ready, just bake as directed—this is a fantastic time saver for busy days!

Final Thoughts

This CHEESY LOADED MEATLOAF CASSEROLE is a dish that truly feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, satisfying, and packed with flavor layers that are sure to please the whole family. Whether for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to come back to again and again. Give it a try and let this delicious casserole become your go-to for hearty, cheesy goodness!

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