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
Scale
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.
