Description
A comforting and hearty Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole featuring a flavorful meatloaf base topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. This easy-to-make casserole combines the classic meatloaf flavors with a creamy, cheesy twist, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Base
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup ketchup (optional for added sweetness)
Mashed Potato Topping
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (about 3-4 large potatoes, peeled, boiled, and mashed)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Combine meat mixture: In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, ground pork, diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well combined, forming your meatloaf base.
- Form meatloaf layer: Press the meat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer for the meatloaf base.
- Optional ketchup layer and first bake: Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the meat mixture for added sweetness if desired, then bake the meatloaf layer for 20-25 minutes until it is mostly cooked through.
- Prepare mashed potato topping: While the meatloaf bakes, combine the mashed potatoes with sour cream and milk, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste for a creamy topping.
- Add potato and toppings: Once the meatloaf has baked, carefully spread the mashed potato mixture evenly over the meat layer, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon on top.
- Final bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with sliced green onions before serving hot for a deliciously comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground pork with all ground beef or turkey if preferred.
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground meats and reduced-fat cheese.
- The ketchup layer is optional but adds a nice balance of sweetness to the savory meatloaf.
- Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Mashed potatoes can be made ahead to save time when preparing the dish.
