Hearty Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Hungry Souls

My grandma’s secret cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole always makes everyone at the dinner table smile with anticipation.

Comfort food reaches new heights with this incredible dish that combines classic flavors and unexpected twists.

Hearty ingredients meld together in a way that promises pure deliciousness.

Layers of melted cheese, savory meat, and rich seasonings create a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for seconds.

Crispy edges and a tender center make this casserole irresistible for anyone seeking a satisfying dinner.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this mouthwatering masterpiece that turns an ordinary meal into something spectacular.

FAQs

• How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The meat should no longer be pink in the center and juices should run clear.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and pork work great in this recipe. Just ensure the meat is lean to prevent excess grease.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not in its current form. To make it gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, reduce cheese quantity, add more vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini, and opt for low-fat cheese to cut down on calories.

Why Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Stands Out

• Family-Friendly Comfort: Packed with cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for family dinners.
• Budget-Conscious Meal: Utilizing affordable ingredients like ground meat and simple pantry staples, this recipe offers a delicious and economical option for feeding a hungry group without breaking the bank.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable to various dietary preferences and easy to customize with additional toppings or side dishes, this casserole works perfectly for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: Rich and juicy meat that forms the base of the casserole.
• Bacon: Crispy and smoky meat that adds extra flavor and texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that creates a golden, gooey topping.
• Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy ingredient that adds richness to the mixture.
• Sour Cream: Tangy dairy product that keeps the meatloaf moist and tender.

• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the meatloaf together.
• Breadcrumbs, Panko Breadcrumbs: Crispy crumbs that provide structure and absorb moisture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Savory condiment that enhances the meat's depth of flavor.
• Garlic, Onion: Aromatic vegetables that add robust flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
• Dried Parsley: Herb that brings a subtle fresh note to the casserole.

How to Make Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Easily

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish

Heat your oven to 375°F.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Meat Base

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Use your hands to blend everything thoroughly until well incorporated.

Step 3: Create Meat Layer

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Spread it evenly across the bottom, creating a smooth, compact layer that will serve as the foundation of your casserole.

Step 4: Build Cheesy Topping

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crumbled bacon bits
• Chopped green onions

Step 5: Add Potato Layer

Spread a layer of frozen or pre-cooked diced potatoes over the cheese and meat, creating a hearty base.

Step 6: Create Creamy Sauce

• Sour cream
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Worcestershire sauce

Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the entire casserole.

Step 7: Final Cheese Topping

Add another layer of shredded cheese on top, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the meat is cooked through.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes.

This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.

Slice and enjoy your delicious creation!

Tips for a Perfect Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole

• Mix ground beef with ground pork or turkey for enhanced flavor and juiciness, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Cover the casserole with aluminum foil during initial baking to lock in moisture and prevent the top from becoming too crispy or burnt.
• Use a combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for optimal melting and a rich, creamy cheese layer that complements the meat.
• Finely dice onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to incorporate extra nutrients and add subtle depth to the meatloaf's overall taste.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together and making weeknight dinner preparation easier and faster.

Reheating and Storage Tips for Meatloaf Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

Sides That Go with Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole

• Complement Cheese Flavors: Pair this rich, cheesy meatloaf with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the heaviness and refreshes the palate.
• Enhance Meaty Profile: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which stands up to the robust meat and complements its deep flavors.
• Balance Hearty Dish: Serve alongside a bright, tangy coleslaw or pickled vegetable salad to provide a zesty contrast to the dense, cheesy casserole.
• Elevate Comfort Meal: Add roasted garlic green beans or honey-glazed carrots to introduce a touch of sweetness and additional vegetable nutrition that rounds out the meal perfectly.

Ways to Customize Your Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly version of the meatloaf casserole.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute ground meat with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or mushroom-based protein to craft a meat-free alternative that maintains the casserole's hearty texture.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip traditional breadcrumbs and use grated cauliflower or zucchini as a binding agent, reducing overall carbohydrate content while keeping the dish flavorful and satisfying.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, and pepper jack cheese to introduce a zesty, southwestern-inspired flavor profile that elevates the classic meatloaf casserole.

Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary creativity in this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole, bringing together hearty ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon bits. Satisfying flavors meld perfectly, offering a delicious twist on classic comfort food that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1/2 pound (227 grams) ground pork

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

Topping and Garnish:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, diced onions, and Italian seasoning, gently mixing until ingredients are evenly distributed without overmixing.
3. Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, carefully spreading it into an even layer to ensure consistent cooking.
4. Create a shallow well or trench down the center of the meat mixture to hold additional ingredients and prevent overflow during baking.
5. Layer crispy bacon strips across the top of the meat mixture, allowing them to slightly overlap for maximum flavor coverage.
6. Drizzle barbecue sauce evenly over the meat and bacon, using a silicone brush to ensure complete and uniform coating.
7. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the entire surface, covering the meat and bacon completely.
8. Place additional diced onions and chopped fresh parsley on top of the cheese for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a slight tent to prevent direct cheese burning while allowing steam circulation.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, removing the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow cheese to become golden and slightly crispy.
11. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and making slicing easier.
12. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and serve hot, cutting into hearty rectangular portions.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content without sacrificing flavor.
• Mix meats like beef and pork for a more complex and richer taste profile.
• Grate cheese directly on top of the casserole in the last 10 minutes of baking for maximum melting and golden-brown crispiness.
• Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutrition and keep the dish moist.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg