ULTIMATE CHEESY LOADED MEATLOAF CASSEROLE

Craving a dinner that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor? Imagine sinking your fork into layers of savory meatloaf, creamy cheese, and your favorite toppings, all baked to golden perfection. This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is not just a meal; it’s an experience – a symphony of textures and tastes that will have your family begging for seconds, and I promise you, it’s way easier to make than you think!

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Casserole:

• 4 cups cooked and mashed potatoes (or use instant mashed potatoes, prepared according to package directions)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
• 1/2 cup beef gravy (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Making the Meatloaf:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.

Assembling the Casserole:

1. Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer for best results!
3. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for preventing a soggy casserole.
4. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the mashed potatoes.
6. If desired, sprinkle the crumbled bacon and green onions over the cheese.

Baking and Serving:

1. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
3. If desired, serve with a drizzle of beef gravy.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Meatloaf Casserole

Okay, friend, let’s talk about making this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole truly spectacular. I’ve got some insider tips to help you nail it every time.

Choosing the Right Ground Beef:

I usually go for a ground beef that’s around 80/20 (lean to fat ratio). It has enough fat to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful, without being overly greasy. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, but keep in mind that they tend to be drier, so you might need to add a little extra moisture (like a tablespoon or two of olive oil) to the meatloaf mixture.

Perfecting the Meatloaf Mixture:

The key to a tender meatloaf is not overmixing the ingredients. Mix everything just until it’s combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the breadcrumbs, which can make the meatloaf tough. Also, soaking the breadcrumbs in milk before adding them to the mixture helps to keep the meatloaf moist.

Making the Mashed Potatoes Extra Creamy:

For truly decadent mashed potatoes, try adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese along with the milk and butter. You can also use roasted garlic for extra flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings, like garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of nutmeg.

Customizing Your Toppings:

This is where you can really get creative! Feel free to add your favorite toppings to the casserole. Some other great options include:

• Diced tomatoes
• Sauteed mushrooms
• Caramelized onions
• Jalapenos (for a spicy kick!)

Preventing a Soggy Casserole:

Nobody likes a soggy casserole, so it’s important to take a few steps to prevent it. First, make sure to drain off any excess grease from the meatloaf after it’s been baked. Second, don’t add too much liquid to the mashed potatoes. And third, don’t overbake the casserole. Overbaking can cause the potatoes to release moisture and make the casserole soggy. I find that using instant potatoes helps absorb the extra moisture, making this one of the best quick casserole recipes easy meals I make.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to put your own spin on this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole? Go for it! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Cornbread Meatloaf Casserole:

Instead of mashed potatoes, top the meatloaf with a layer of homemade or store-bought cornbread. This adds a delicious Southern twist to the dish and is great for those looking for good casserole recipes easy dinners. Prepare the cornbread according to the recipe or package directions, and spread it evenly over the meatloaf before adding the cheese and toppings.

Vegetarian Meatloaf Casserole:

Use a vegetarian meatloaf recipe instead of ground beef. There are many great recipes available online that use ingredients like lentils, beans, and vegetables to create a flavorful and satisfying meatloaf substitute. You can even find pre-made vegetarian meatloaf at some grocery stores.

Low-Carb Meatloaf Casserole:

Skip the mashed potatoes and use cauliflower mash instead. Cauliflower mash is a great low-carb alternative that’s packed with nutrients and fiber. You can also use a low-carb cheese blend to reduce the carbohydrate content even further.

Spicy Meatloaf Casserole:

Add some heat to your casserole by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatloaf mixture or by topping the casserole with sliced jalapenos or a drizzle of hot sauce. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are some serving suggestions:

• A simple green salad
• Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans
• Corn on the cob
• Garlic bread

If you are looking for other casserole dinner recipes for family, check out my Cheesy Hamburger Casserole. Or, for a quicker option, try my Cheesy Ground Beef Melt. My family also loves my Hamburger Rice Casserole and the Ground Beef And Dumplings recipe.

For a handheld version of meatloaf, my Mini Meatloaf Recipe is always a winner!

Storage and Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is even better the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Storage:

Let the casserole cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

You can reheat the casserole in the oven or in the microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. To reheat in the microwave, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is truly a winner. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck. I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as mine does! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings to make it your own. Happy cooking!