Nothing feels as comforting as a hearty dinner that brings smiles all around the table, and that’s exactly what Easy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: A Family Favorite Dinner Recipe delivers. This dish takes classic meatloaf up a notch by layering savory ground beef with a luscious mashed potato topping, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s simple to make but so full of flavor, texture, and warmth that everyone will be asking for seconds. Whether you’re craving a cozy night in or feeding a crowd, this casserole is a surefire way to make dinner feel special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in building that perfect balance of savory, creamy, and crispy flavors. You really can’t go wrong with these simple pantry staples and fresh touches that come together to create a dish everyone will love.
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef: The hearty base that gives the casserole its meaty richness.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and savory depth.
- 1 egg: Binds everything together to keep the meatloaf moist and firm.
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs: Keeps the texture light and helps hold the mixture.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and adds a tangy punch.
- ½ cup ketchup: Classic meatloaf tang and a little sweetness in each bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor.
- 3 cups mashed potatoes: Creamy and comforting, the perfect topping for this casserole.
- ¼ cup milk: Whisked into mashed potatoes for smooth creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the mashed potatoes.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible golden crust.
- 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled: Brings smokiness and crunch to every forkful.
- Chopped green onions or chives (optional): Adds freshness and a pop of color as a garnish.
How to Make Easy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: A Family Favorite Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures the meatloaf won’t stick and makes cleanup super easy later on.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently until just combined — be careful not to overmix, or your meatloaf could turn out dense and tough.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf
Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth, flat layer. Place it in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. This initial baking firms up the base and starts the flavors sizzling.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Mashed Potato Topping
While the meatloaf is baking, warm your mashed potatoes with milk and butter in a saucepan until they’re creamy and smooth. This step adds an extra layer of comfort — rich, buttery, and fluffy potatoes will top the meat perfectly.
Step 5: Layer the Mashed Potatoes
Once the meatloaf base has baked for 20 minutes, take it out and spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly over the top. This layer keeps things moist and dreamy as it bakes further.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bacon
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon over the mashed potato layer. These ingredients will melt and crisp to add amazing color, flavor, and texture that make this casserole stand out.
Step 7: Final Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese has melted to bubbly perfection and the bacon edges are slightly crisp. The smell itself is enough to make anyone’s mouth water!
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling chopped green onions or chives over the top for a bright, fresh contrast. Let the casserole sit a few minutes before serving to set up perfectly.
How to Serve Easy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: A Family Favorite Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes like chopped green onions or fresh chives add a lovely pop of color and a subtle oniony brightness that cuts through the richness of the meat and potatoes. Feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or drizzle some extra ketchup or BBQ sauce for an extra layer of flavor everyone will love.
Side Dishes
This casserole is so loaded and filling that light, fresh sides work best. Consider a crisp garden salad with vinaigrette, steamed green beans tossed with a squeeze of lemon, or roasted Brussels sprouts. These provide a refreshing balance without overwhelming your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins so each person gets their own perfectly layered portion. You could also make small muffin-sized versions using a muffin tin for a cute bite-sized appetizer or lunchbox treat. Either way, the layers of meat, potatoes, cheese, and bacon steal the show every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: A Family Favorite Dinner Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain that creamy mashed potato topping without drying it out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly with foil or place in a freezer-safe container and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20 minutes until warmed through. To revive the crispy cheese and bacon, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating. Microwaving works too but can soften the toppings.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep in mind the flavor will be milder, so consider adding a bit more Worcestershire sauce or spices to boost taste.
What if I don’t have mashed potatoes ready?
No problem — you can make quick mashed potatoes from scratch using boiled peeled potatoes, milk, and butter, or even use instant mashed potatoes. Creaminess is key here, so make sure your topping is smooth and spreadable.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check your Worcestershire sauce and ketchup labels to avoid gluten-containing ingredients. Many versions are naturally gluten-free when you swap these out.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
While this recipe is meat-based, you can create a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or cooked lentils, and adjusting seasonings accordingly for a delicious meatless twist.
How spicy is this casserole?
This Easy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is mild and family-friendly, with no spicy ingredients. If you like heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the meat mixture for a little kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cozy, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, Easy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: A Family Favorite Dinner Recipe is your new go-to. It’s simple to make, feeds a crowd, and perfectly balances savory meat with fluffy potatoes, melted cheese, and smoky bacon. Gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and get ready to enjoy dinner that comforts, satisfies, and delights with every spoonful.
Print
Easy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: A Family Favorite Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and family-friendly dinner option featuring a savory meatloaf base topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. It combines classic meatloaf flavors with the convenience of a casserole, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy meals.
Ingredients
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
Mashed Potato Topping
- 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 and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined to retain moisture and tenderness.
- Form Meatloaf Layer: Evenly press the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer as the meatloaf base.
- Bake Meatloaf Base: Bake the meatloaf layer in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing it to start cooking through.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While the meatloaf bakes, warm the mashed potatoes with milk and butter in a saucepan or microwave until creamy and smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Add Mashed Potato Topping: Remove the partially baked meatloaf from the oven and spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meat layer.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon evenly over the mashed potato layer for an extra flavorful topping.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the casserole with chopped green onions or chives if desired. Allow to cool slightly before serving to let the layers set.
Notes
- You can prepare the mashed potatoes from scratch or use leftover mashed potatoes from a previous meal.
- For a lower fat option, substitute ground turkey for beef and use reduced-fat cheese.
- Make sure not to overmix the meatloaf ingredients to keep it tender.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking cold.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
