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If you are craving a comforting, hearty, and downright delicious dinner that brings all the best flavors of classic comfort food in one dish, this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining juicy, flavorful ground beef meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, gooey melted cheddar, and a kick of spiced sausage, this casserole is a spectacular crowd-pleaser that practically melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect dish for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering, delivering rich layers of taste and texture that everyone will go crazy for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients that transform into a stunning, flavor-packed dish. Each element plays a vital role, from the tender ground beef that forms the savory foundation to the creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar that add irresistible richness and color.
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef: Provides the juicy, hearty base for your meatloaf layer.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat mixture and keeps it moist.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold the meatloaf together perfectly.
- ¼ cup milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the meat mixture.
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped: Offers a subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts the savory depth with a fragrant punch.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami richness and a slight tang.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances overall flavor balance.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a soft touch of heat and complexity.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Introduces an herby note that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 2 ½ cups mashed potatoes (prepared): Creates a creamy, dreamy topping that pairs perfectly with the meat.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to a bubbly, golden layer of gooey goodness.
- ½ cup cooked spiced sausage, crumbled: Adds bursts of smoky, spicy flavor inside the casserole.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional): Provides a fresh, bright garnish to finish the dish with a pop of color.
How to Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the casserole doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly when baked. This step is crucial to ensure easy serving later on!
Step 2: Combine Your Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This mixture forms the flavorful and juicy base layer of your casserole—take your time to get everything evenly incorporated for the best texture.
Step 3: Form and Bake the Meatloaf Layer
Press the meat mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, making sure it is well-distributed so the layer bakes uniformly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked through and lightly browned on top. This creates a solid but tender foundation for the rest of your casserole.
Step 4: Add the Mashed Potato Layer
Once the meatloaf layer is cooked, carefully spread your prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the top. This creamy blanket adds both comfort and moisture, turning an ordinary meatloaf into something truly special and hearty.
Step 5: Sprinkle on the Cheese
Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the mashed potatoes, then dot the surface with crumbled cooked spiced sausage. These ingredients add a fantastic fusion of gooey texture and bold flavor that make the casserole utterly irresistible.
Step 6: Final Bake for Melty Perfection
Return the casserole to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. This second bake melts the cheese into a bubbly, golden topping that oozes cheesy goodness with every bite. Keep an eye on it to get that perfect melt and slight browning on top.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the casserole for a delightful touch of freshness and color, if you’re using them. Slice into warm, hearty portions and get ready to enjoy a spectacular meal.
How to Serve Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped green onions add a mild oniony bite and vibrant green pop, perfectly balancing the rich layers beneath. You could also try a light sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of tangy ketchup or BBQ sauce for extra flavor twists.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands beautifully on its own but pairs amazingly with a simple crisp salad, steamed green beans, or buttery roasted carrots. The freshness of these sides contrasts with the hearty casserole, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for casual family dinners or plate it elegantly garnished with microgreens and a swirl of sour cream for cozy dinner parties. You can even turn leftovers into mini casserole bowls for individual lunches or easy meal prep.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the cheese delightfully melty when reheated.
Freezing
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For a quick fix, microwave individual portions on medium power, but the oven method retains the casserole’s texture and flavor best.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind you might want to add a bit more seasoning or moisture since they’re leaner meats.
What type of mashed potatoes work best for this recipe?
Classic creamy mashed potatoes made with butter and milk work perfectly here to create that luscious, smooth topping. Avoid chunky or dry mashed potatoes for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this recipe is meat-focused, you could experiment with plant-based meat substitutes and a dairy-free cheese to make a vegetarian version, but it will shift the flavor profile significantly.
Is it possible to assemble this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the entire casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if coming from cold.
How spicy is the cooked spiced sausage?
The spiced sausage adds a gentle warmth and smokiness without overwhelming heat, but if you prefer less spice, opt for a mild sausage or reduce the amount.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like a warm hug in every bite. It’s easy to make, packed with layered flavors, and so wonderfully comforting that it will quickly become a family favorite. Next time you want to impress with a no-fuss meal that feeds a crowd or just your own craving for hearty home cooking, give this dish a try — you won’t regret it!
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Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Combining seasoned ground beef with a creamy mashed potato topping and melted cheddar cheese, it delivers rich flavors and a satisfying texture. Easy to prepare and baked in one dish, this casserole is sure to become a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Topping
- 2 ½ cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked spiced sausage, crumbled
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Form Meatloaf Layer: Press the meat mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, forming a compact, even layer.
- Bake Meatloaf: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Add Mashed Potato Topping: Evenly spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the cooked meatloaf layer in the baking dish.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes layer.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish: Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions if using, adding a fresh and mild onion flavor.
- Serve: Slice the casserole into portions and enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use leftover mashed potatoes or instant mashed potatoes to save time.
- Ensure meatloaf is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.
- Spiced sausage adds extra flavor, but can be omitted or replaced with cooked bacon or ham.
- Green onions are optional but add a nice fresh contrast.
