Description
This hearty Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole combines a savory ground beef meatloaf base with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon for a comforting and delicious one-dish meal that’s perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Base
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup (divided)
Toppings
- 2 cups prepared mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the Meatloaf Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the ketchup. Mix all ingredients until well incorporated but avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Form and Bake the Meatloaf Base: Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it flat to cover the bottom. Spread the remaining ketchup evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Add the Topping: Carefully take the baking dish out of the oven and spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf layer. Then evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top followed by the crumbled cooked bacon.
- Bake Again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese has melted completely and is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped green onions or chives on top if desired. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing into portions and serving warm.
Notes
- You can prepare mashed potatoes from scratch or use leftover mashed potatoes for convenience.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F for food safety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
