Introduction

A Cozy, Crave-Worthy Classic Reinvented 🍽️

Craving something warm, hearty, and satisfying after a long day? Look no further—Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is here to save your dinner routine! Imagine the savory goodness of a classic meatloaf, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melty cheese, and crispy bacon—baked to golden perfection.

This dish takes all the comforting flavors of a traditional meatloaf dinner and layers them into a crowd-pleasing casserole that's quick, convenient, and oh-so-cozy. Whether you're cooking for picky kids or hungry guests, this easy casserole checks every box.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

✅ One-pan wonder – Minimal cleanup!
✅ Family-approved comfort food
✅ Great for leftovers – tastes even better the next day
✅ Easily customizable with veggies, spices, or different meats
✅ Ready in under 45 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

For the Meatloaf Base:

1 ½ lbs ground beef (or use ground turkey/chicken for a leaner version)
1 small onion, finely diced
1 egg
¾ cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup ketchup (plus more for drizzling on top)

Substitution Tip: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed crackers or rolled oats if needed.

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

3 cups mashed potatoes (store-bought or homemade)
¼ cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
Salt to taste

Pro Tip: Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time!

Toppings:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
Chopped chives or green onions (optional, for garnish)

Cheese Tip: Shred your own cheese for best meltability—pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents.

Step-by-Step Instructions 🧑‍🍳

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Mix the meatloaf base ingredients in a large bowl until just combined. Do not overmix.
Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 20 minutes until the meat is mostly cooked through and slightly browned on top.
Meanwhile, prepare mashed potatoes if not already done. Mix with butter and milk until creamy.
Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf layer.
Sprinkle cheese and bacon over the mashed potatoes.
Return to oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chives (optional) and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Reheating Tips:

Reheat in the oven at 325°F or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of milk to maintain moisture.

Variations:

Add a layer of cooked veggies (like green beans or corn) before the mashed potatoes.
Try BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky twist.
Make it spicy with jalapeños or hot sauce in the meat mix.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat
450	25g	28g	27g

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Can I make this ahead of time?
✅ Absolutely! Assemble the casserole a day ahead and bake just before serving.

❓ Can I freeze Loaded Meatloaf Casserole?
✅ Yes. Freeze after assembling (but before baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake.

❓ Can I make it low-carb?
✅ Replace mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash and use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.

❓ What if I don’t eat pork?
✅ Use turkey bacon or omit bacon altogether—the cheese still adds rich flavor.

❓ Can I double the recipe?
✅ Yes! Use a larger pan or bake in two separate dishes—perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Conclusion

This Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is everything you love about a comforting family dinner—made easier, cheesier, and cozier. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you need a warm hug in casserole form.

👉 Try it tonight and tag us @Simple Recipes on Pinterest!

Easy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: A Family Favorite Dinner

Author: Chef
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole takes all the cozy flavors of traditional meatloaf and layers them into a cheesy, mashed-potato-topped casserole that's perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Ready in under an hour and made with simple pantry staples, this comforting dish will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatloaf Base:

1 ½ lbs ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 egg
¾ cup breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ cup ketchup
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Layer:

3 cups mashed potatoes
¼ cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
Salt to taste

Toppings:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
Chopped green onions or chives (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper until just combined.
Press the meat mixture evenly into the baking dish.
Bake for 20 minutes.
While the meatloaf base bakes, heat the mashed potatoes with milk and butter until creamy.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the mashed potatoes over the top.
Sprinkle cheese and bacon evenly over the mashed potatoes.
Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped green onions or chives if desired. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make Ahead: Assemble up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 325°F. Add a splash of milk for moisture.
Variations: Use turkey or chicken instead of beef, cauliflower mash instead of potatoes, or add cooked veggies before layering.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner, Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 450kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 27g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: Loaded meatloaf casserole, family dinner, meatloaf with mashed potatoes, casserole recipes, comfort food, easy dinner idea, cheesy meatloaf