Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

This casserole combines the flavors of classic meatloaf with loaded mashed potatoes and gooey cheese. It’s a baked, family-friendly dish that’s easy to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All your favorite meatloaf flavors in a creamy, cheesy casserole
• One-pot, one-pan meal — easy to prep and bake
• Comfort food that feels special but is simple to make
• Great for leftovers and reheats beautifully
• Crowd-pleasing, especially for family dinners or gatherings

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatloaf Layer

• 500 g (about 1 lb) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Mashed Potato Layer

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup milk (or cream)
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Topping

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 100 g cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 green onions, sliced

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep
   • Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
   • Grease a 9×13–inch (or similar-sized) baking dish.
2. Make the Mashed Potatoes
   • Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until tender (about 12–15 minutes).
   • Drain and mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
   • In a large bowl, mix ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • Stir until just combined — don’t overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
4. Assemble the Layers
   • Spread the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
   • Spoon or spread the mashed potatoes on top of the meatloaf layer. Try to smooth it out as evenly as possible.
5. Add Cheese and Bacon
   • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes.
   • Then sprinkle the crumbled bacon and sliced green onions on top.
6. Bake
   • Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden.
   • If you like a crispier top, you can broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — watch closely!
7. Serve
   • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven — this helps it set.
   • Serve warm, scooping generous portions of meatloaf, mashed potato, cheese, and bacon together.

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You Must Know

• Don’t overmix the meat mixture — it helps keep the meatloaf tender.
• Use full-fat milk or cream in the mashed potatoes for best flavor.
• Let the casserole rest after baking so it holds together when scooped.
• Taste and adjust salt in the mashed potatoes before spreading them.

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Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 180 °C (350 °F), covered, for about 10–15 minutes.
• Freezing: You can freeze individual portions. Wrap well, freeze for up to 2 months, and reheat in the oven.

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Ingredient Substitutions

• Protein: Use ground turkey, pork, or a mix instead of beef.
• Mashed Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash.
• Cheese: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
• Bacon: Use turkey bacon or omit for a lighter version.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side salad or steamed green beans for balance.
• Pair with roasted vegetables or a simple coleslaw.
• Add a side of dinner rolls or garlic bread to make it even more filling.

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Pro Tips

• For extra flavor, sauté the onions and garlic before mixing with the meat.
• Use warm potatoes when mashing — they mash more smoothly.
• If your mashed potato layer is too thick, loosen it with a splash of milk.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the meatloaf mixture and mashed potatoes separately, assemble, and bake when you’re ready.

→ Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

→ Can I use less cheese?
Yes — reduce the cheese by a third or half; it will still be tasty but lighter.

→ Is this recipe very high in calories?
It’s rich and comforting, but you can lighten it by using leaner meat, lower-fat milk, or less cheese.

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✨ This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole brings together cozy flavors and combines meat, potatoes, bacon, and cheese in one hearty, satisfying dish. Enjoy!

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