Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe – Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food recipe that combines savory meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese, look no further than Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. This hearty dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potluck parties. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into how to make loaded meatloaf casserole, what makes it so delicious, and why it’s quickly becoming a must-try dinner recipe.

What Is Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?

Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a flavorful twist on the classic meatloaf dinner. Instead of serving meatloaf with mashed potatoes on the side, this casserole layers them together, along with cheese, bacon, and green onions for a fully-loaded experience. It’s like a cross between a shepherd’s pie and your mom’s best meatloaf—only better.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why homemade loaded meatloaf casserole has become a beloved comfort food staple:

Quick and easy to prepare with everyday ingredients.
Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
Combines meat, potatoes, cheese, and bacon—the ultimate comfort food ingredients.
Family-friendly and kid-approved.
A great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.

This dish hits all the right notes—savory, cheesy, creamy, and just a little crispy on top.

Ingredients for the Best Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients that bring this casserole to life:

For the Meatloaf Base:

1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
1 egg
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Layer:

3 cups mashed potatoes (leftovers or freshly made)
¼ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon
2 green onions, chopped
Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create the perfect cheesy meatloaf casserole that your whole family will rave about.

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole pan.

2. Make the Meatloaf Layer

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined—don’t overwork the meat or it may become tough.

Spread the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing it down to form the first layer.

3. Bake the Meatloaf Base

Bake the meatloaf layer uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should be 160°F). Drain any excess grease if necessary.

4. Prepare Mashed Potatoes

While the meatloaf is baking, mix your mashed potatoes with sour cream, butter, salt, and pepper. If your mashed potatoes are cold, warm them slightly for easier spreading.

5. Layer the Mashed Potatoes

Once the meatloaf base is cooked, carefully spread the mashed potatoes over it, smoothing with a spatula.

6. Add Cheese and Bacon

Top the mashed potato layer with shredded cheddar cheese, then sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the cheese.

7. Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for an extra 2–3 minutes at the end—but watch closely!

8. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions and optional parsley over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf Casserole

Use lean ground beef (but not too lean)—80/20 provides great flavor and moisture.
Don’t skip the sour cream—it adds creaminess and a slight tang to the mashed potatoes.
You can add veggies like frozen peas or corn between the meat and potato layers for added nutrition.
Swap cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for variation.

Variations of Meatloaf Casserole

This dish is very flexible. Here are some popular twists on the traditional recipe:

1. Loaded Turkey Meatloaf Casserole

Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option. Keep all the other ingredients the same for a lighter but equally satisfying meal.

2. Low-Carb Version

Instead of mashed potatoes, use mashed cauliflower. It still provides a creamy texture and works well with the cheese and bacon.

3. Tex-Mex Style

Add taco seasoning to the meat, top with shredded pepper jack cheese, and garnish with jalapeños, avocado, and salsa.

4. BBQ Meatloaf Casserole

Replace the ketchup with BBQ sauce in the meat mixture and drizzle some extra BBQ sauce on top before adding the cheese.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is an excellent make-ahead meal.

To Make Ahead:

Assemble the casserole completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if coming straight from the fridge.

Freezing Instructions:

You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Storing Leftovers:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 450–500
Protein: 28g
Fat: 28g
Carbs: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g

(Exact values may vary based on ingredients used.)

Why This Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a Must-Try Dinner Recipe

This easy meatloaf casserole recipe is more than just a dinner—it’s a full experience. Combining everything you love about meatloaf and mashed potatoes, this one-dish meal is not only satisfying but also incredibly convenient. It’s rich, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, looking for a recipe that reheats well for lunch the next day, or just want to indulge in something warm and filling, loaded meatloaf casserole hits the mark every time.

Final Thoughts

Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nostalgia. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to become one of your family’s favorite dinner recipes. Packed with protein, creamy mashed potatoes, and savory toppings, it brings all the best parts of comfort food into one delicious dish.

For more mouthwatering ground beef casserole recipes, family-friendly dinners, and creative takes on classic meals, be sure to bookmark this recipe and share it with fellow food lovers. Try it once, and you’ll be making it again and again.