Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe: A Sultry Delight

Name: Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe: A Sultry Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup chopped onion; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 cups mashed potatoes; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Posted on November 5, 2025

Posted by Georgina sami

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When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a hearty casserole that warms your soul and fills your belly! My cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole recipe is a delightful twist on the classic meatloaf, bringing together all the flavors you love with an ooey-gooey cheese topping that takes it to the next level. Imagine the savory aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes, making your mouth water in anticipation. This dish is not only delicious but also super easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Trust me, once you try this cheesy delight, it’ll become a regular on your dinner table!

Ingredients for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Gather these simple ingredients to create a cheesy masterpiece that everyone will love. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef – the star of our casserole, bringing that hearty flavor
1 cup breadcrumbs – for that perfect texture that holds everything together
1/2 cup milk – to keep the meatloaf moist and tender
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – because who doesn’t love cheesy goodness?
1/4 cup chopped onion – for a bit of sweetness and crunch
1/4 cup ketchup – adds moisture and a tangy flavor
1 tsp garlic powder – to give it a nice garlicky kick
1 tsp salt – to enhance all those yummy flavors
1/2 tsp black pepper – for a touch of warmth
2 cups mashed potatoes – creamy and dreamy, they make the perfect topping
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – for that melty, gooey finish on top

Make sure you have everything ready, and let’s dive into creating this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole that’s sure to impress!

How to Prepare the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Now that you’ve got your ingredients lined up, let’s get into the fun part—making this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time.

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is just right for cooking the meatloaf evenly while ensuring the cheesy top gets nice and melty. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!

Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, ketchup, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. I like to use my hands to mix it all together—just be sure to wash them first! You want everything to come together into a well-mixed, slightly sticky texture. It should feel like a big, meaty hug!

Form and Place the Meatloaf

Once your mixture is well combined, shape it into a loaf. Don’t worry about getting it perfect; it’s going to be covered with mashed potatoes anyway! Place your meatloaf in a greased baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish, but any similar size works just fine. Just make sure it has enough room to breathe while it cooks!

Add the Mashed Potatoes and Cheese

Now for the fun part! Grab those creamy mashed potatoes and spread them evenly over the top of the meatloaf. You can use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth them out. After that, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the mashed potatoes. Make sure to cover every inch so every bite has that ooey-gooey goodness!

Bake and Rest

Pop that beauty into your preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the meat is cooked through and the top is bubbling with cheese. Once it’s out, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time is crucial—it helps the juices redistribute, keeping your meatloaf nice and juicy. Plus, it gives you a moment to take in the delicious smells wafting through your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s super easy to make—perfect for cooks of all skill levels!
The cheesy flavor is out of this world, making it a real crowd-pleaser.
It’s a one-dish meal, which means less cleanup for you!
Great for feeding a family—everyone loves meatloaf, especially with a cheesy twist!
You can customize it with your favorite veggies or use different meats, making it versatile.
Leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day, reheating like a dream.
It’s comfort food at its best—perfect for cozy nights in or casual gatherings.

Tips for Success with Your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Want to make sure your cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole turns out perfectly? I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that will help you avoid common pitfalls and take your dish to the next level. Let’s dive in!

Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatloaf ingredients, be careful not to overmix. You want it to hold together but still remain tender. Mixing just until combined is key!
Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure about doneness, a meat thermometer is your best friend! Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) to ensure it’s safely cooked.
Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Consider adding crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms on top before the mozzarella for an extra flavor boost.
Leftover Mashed Potatoes: If you have leftover mashed potatoes, this is the perfect recipe to use them up! They’ll add great flavor and save you time.
Let it Rest: Remember to let the casserole rest after baking! This helps the juices settle, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
Watch the Cheese: Keep an eye on the cheese while it bakes. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to your taste! A sprinkle of Italian herbs or a dash of hot sauce can add a unique twist that you’ll love.

By following these tips, you’ll have a cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole that’s not only delicious but also a hit with everyone at your table. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for a slice of my cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole. These numbers are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect:

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 20g

This hearty casserole packs a punch of flavor along with a satisfying amount of protein and comfort. Perfect for a fulfilling meal that won’t leave you feeling deprived!

FAQ About Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! If you want to switch things up, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Just keep in mind that turkey and chicken tend to be a bit leaner, so you might want to add a tablespoon or two of olive oil or extra milk to keep it moist. Trust me, it’ll still be delicious, and you won’t even miss the beef!

What can I add to the meat mixture?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can definitely get creative here. If you’ve got some veggies lying around, toss in some finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. You could also mix in some spices like Italian seasoning or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to really amp up the taste. Just make sure that whatever you add is chopped small enough to blend in well with the meat!

How do I store leftovers?

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is always a happy problem!), let the casserole cool completely before storing it. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container, and it’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat slices in the microwave or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Just be careful not to overcook it; we want it to stay juicy and delicious!

Call to Action

I hope you love making and enjoying this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole as much as I do! If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts or any tweaks you made to the recipe. Did you add a special ingredient? I’m all ears!

And if you found this recipe helpful, don’t forget to rate it and share it with your friends and family on social media. Let’s spread the love for this delicious comfort food! Happy cooking, everyone!