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!