Easy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole for a Family Favorite Dinner

This Loaded Meatloaf Casserole takes all the comforting flavors of traditional meatloaf and combines them with creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheese in one dish.

It’s an easy and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Packed with protein and topped with everyone’s favorite cheesy mashed potatoes, this casserole is sure to be a hit at the table.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Skillet (optional, for pre-cooking onions or vegetables)
• Aluminum foil
• Spatula

Ingredients Overview

• Ground Beef: Provides the hearty base for the casserole.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and fluffy, perfect for topping the meat layer.
• Cheese: Adds a gooey, irresistible topping.
• Vegetables: Optional for added nutrition, such as peas or corn.
• Seasonings: Enhance the meatloaf flavor with spices like garlic powder and onion powder.

Ingredients

For the meatloaf layer:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup ketchup

For the topping:

• 3 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional: 1/2 cup cooked vegetables (peas, corn, or carrots)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly with non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and ketchup. Mix until well combined but don’t overwork the meat.
3. Layer the Meatloaf:
   Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, creating an even layer.
4. Pre-Bake:
   Bake the meatloaf layer in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This step ensures the meat is partially cooked before adding the toppings.
5. Add the Mashed Potatoes:
   Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the partially cooked meatloaf layer. If you’re using cooked vegetables, layer them under or mix them into the potatoes.
6. Top with Cheese:
   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potato layer.
7. Bake Again:
   Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve:
   Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Use a spatula to scoop out portions and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Meat Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner dish.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh the next day.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix some shredded cheese directly into the mashed potatoes for extra cheesiness.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Side Salad: A crisp green salad complements the richness of the casserole.
• Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, steamed green beans, or glazed carrots.
• Bread: A slice of crusty bread or dinner rolls pairs beautifully with this hearty meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, instant mashed potatoes work great if you’re short on time.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble and freeze before baking, or freeze leftovers. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

How can I add more flavor?
Try adding Worcestershire sauce or a touch of BBQ sauce to the meat mixture for an extra punch of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, ideal for family dinners or potlucks. Serve it with a side of vegetables and warm rolls, and you’ll have a complete, crowd-pleasing meal. Everyone will love the combination of hearty meatloaf, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese in every bite!

Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

This Loaded Meatloaf Casserole takes all the comforting flavors of traditional meatloaf and combines them with creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheese in one dish.

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Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• 9x13-inch casserole dish
• Skillet (optional, for pre-cooking onions or vegetables)
• Aluminum foil
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

• For the meatloaf layer:
• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef or ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• For the topping:
• 3 cups mashed potatoes homemade or store-bought
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional: 1/2 cup cooked vegetables peas, corn, or carrots

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish lightly with non-stick spray.
• Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and ketchup. Mix until well combined but don’t overwork the meat.
• Layer the Meatloaf:
• Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, creating an even layer.
• Pre-Bake:
• Bake the meatloaf layer in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This step ensures the meat is partially cooked before adding the toppings.
• Add the Mashed Potatoes:
• Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the partially cooked meatloaf layer. If you’re using cooked vegetables, layer them under or mix them into the potatoes.
• Top with Cheese:
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potato layer.
• Bake Again:
• Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve:
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Use a spatula to scoop out portions and enjoy!