Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

Get ready to transform a classic family favorite into an unforgettable one-pan wonder. This Loaded Meatloaf Casserole takes all the rich, savory flavors of traditional meatloaf and combines them with the cheesy, crowd-pleasing appeal of a casserole. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to assemble, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday supper. If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, you’ve found it.

We layer a juicy, flavorful meatloaf base with creamy mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon for a dish that delivers on every level. It’s a complete meal in one pan that the whole family will request again and again.

Why This Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a Must-Try

Forget dry, boring meatloaf. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor and texture in every single bite. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.

• All-in-One Meal: It combines your main protein and a hearty side dish into one single pan, making cleanup a breeze. It’s a full meal solution similar to a classic Tater Tot Casserole but with a unique meatloaf twist.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The meatloaf base is seasoned perfectly, and the tangy glaze provides a perfect counterbalance to the rich meat and creamy potatoes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Toppings: Loaded with melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, this casserole has all the toppings of a loaded baked potato, but better!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily assemble this casserole ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or for serving guests without last-minute stress.

The Key Ingredients for a Perfect Casserole

The magic of this Loaded Meatloaf Casserole comes from using simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life.

For the Meatloaf Base:

• Ground Beef: An 80/20 or 85/15 blend provides the best balance of flavor and moisture.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs work best for a lighter texture, but any plain breadcrumbs will do.
• Onion & Garlic: Finely diced yellow onion and minced garlic create the aromatic foundation.
• Eggs: Act as a binder to hold the meatloaf together.
• Milk: Adds moisture, ensuring a tender, juicy result.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a deep, savory, umami flavor.
• Seasoning: A simple mix of salt, black pepper, and dried parsley is all you need.

For the Glaze:

• Ketchup: The classic, tangy base for any good meatloaf glaze.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the ketchup and vinegar.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a tangy kick that cuts through the richness.

For the Loaded Topping:

• Mashed Potatoes: You can use your favorite homemade recipe or a good quality store-bought version for convenience. Try these amazing garlic parmesan potatoes (coming soon) mashed for an extra flavor boost!
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but a Colby Jack or mozzarella blend also works well.
• Bacon: Cooked until crispy and crumbled.
• Green Onions: Sliced thin for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this incredible casserole is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Base

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and parsley. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Mix and Apply the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Spread half of this glaze mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf base in the baking dish. Reserve the other half for later.

Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the meatloaf is nearly cooked through. The internal temperature should be around 155°F (68°C).

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Spread the remaining glaze over the top. Next, spoon the mashed potatoes over the glaze, spreading them into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the potatoes.

Step 5: Final Bake and Broil

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked to 160°F (71°C), the potatoes are heated through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden-brown top, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Expert Tips for Casserole Success

Want to take your Loaded Meatloaf Casserole to the next level? Here are a few tips from our kitchen.

• Don’t Overwork the Meat: The number one rule for tender meatloaf is to mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Overmixing develops the proteins in the meat, resulting in a tough, dense texture.
• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best gooey, melted cheese topping, shred your own from a block.
• Let it Rest: Letting the casserole rest before serving is crucial. It makes slicing much cleaner and ensures the meatloaf is juicy and tender.

Creative Variations to Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations.

• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture and a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze for a bit of heat.
• Different Cheeses: Swap the cheddar for Pepper Jack, smoked Gouda, or a Monterey Jack blend.
• BBQ Style: Use your favorite BBQ sauce instead of the ketchup-based glaze for a smoky, tangy flavor. This variation is fantastic for a comfort meal, just like a hearty beef stew recipe.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in some extra nutrition by adding finely shredded carrots or zucchini to the meatloaf mixture.

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Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely. For best results, bake the casserole completely and let it cool. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Can I make Loaded Meatloaf Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven straight from the fridge.

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How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

The most reliable way to check for doneness is with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the meatloaf layer should reach 160°F (71°C) to be considered safe to eat.

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How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire baking dish back in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

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What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. A mix of ground pork and ground beef would also be delicious and add extra flavor.

Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

This Loaded Meatloaf Casserole recipe transforms a classic into a one-pan wonder! A juicy meatloaf base is topped with creamy mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon for the ultimate family comfort food dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs ground beef 80/20 or 85/15 blend recommended
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 large eggs lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 4 cups mashed potatoes prepared
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup bacon cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup green onions sliced, for garnish

Equipment

• 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
• 1 Large Mixing Bowl
• 1 Small Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and parsley. Do not overmix. Press the mixture evenly into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the meatloaf base.
3. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the meatloaf is nearly cooked through (internal temperature of 155°F or 68°C).
4. Remove from the oven. Spread the remaining glaze over the top. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the glaze in an even layer. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
5. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the meatloaf is fully cooked (160°F or 71°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden top.
6. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Notes

Tip 1: Do not overmix the meatloaf ingredients to ensure a tender texture.
Tip 2: Shred your own cheese for the best melting results.
Tip 3: Let the casserole rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

Share Your Creation!

We know this Loaded Meatloaf Casserole will become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s the perfect combination of two beloved classics, guaranteed to bring smiles to the dinner table. If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment below and share a picture of your masterpiece on Pinterest!