Introduction
Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole is a juicy, gooey weeknight wonder that combines classic meatloaf flavor with the ease of a layered casserole and an over-the-top blanket of melted cheddar. Perfect for busy families, potlucks, or comfort-food cravings, this dish delivers all the nostalgia of meatloaf with half the shaping fuss. Presented in a white ceramic baking dish, optionally garnished with chopped parsley and ketchup drizzle, this Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole offers a golden, bubbling aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a simple oven method with pantry staples, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a go-to dinner that brings hearty, crowd-pleasing charm to any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Meat Layer:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
- 1 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely diced or grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Potato Layer:
- 2½ lbs Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup milk or cream
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Cheesy Topping:
- 2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup ketchup (optional glaze)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, mixed with ketchup)
Serving:
- Optional: Fresh parsley, extra ketchup
- Suggested Accompaniments: Green beans, dinner rolls
- Suggested Pairings: Red wine, iced tea
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic baking dish
- Suggested Equipment: 9×13-inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Process
- Preheat Oven → Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch white ceramic baking dish.
- Make Meat Layer → In a large bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes. Add all remaining meat ingredients and mix gently until just combined—don’t overwork. Press evenly into the bottom of the baking dish like a giant meatloaf patty.
- Bake Meat Base → Bake uncovered 25 minutes. It will release juices—this is normal.
- Cook & Mash Potatoes → While meat bakes, boil cubed potatoes in salted water 12–15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain, then mash with butter, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Add Cheese to Potatoes → Fold 1 cup shredded cheddar into the mashed potatoes.
- Assemble Casserole → Remove dish from oven. Carefully drain excess fat (tilt and spoon off). Spread cheesy mashed potatoes evenly over the meat layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of cheddar on top.
- Optional Sweet Glaze → Mix ketchup and brown sugar; drizzle or spread over cheese.
- Final Bake → Return to oven and bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Broil 2–3 minutes at the end for extra browning (watch closely!).
- Rest & Serve → Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Scoop into a white ceramic baking dish (or serve straight from it).
Tips for Better Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole
- Drain excess fat after the first bake — keeps it from getting greasy
- Mix meat gently — tender texture
- Use sharp cheddar — maximum flavor and melt
- Make ahead — assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hrs; add 10–15 min bake time.
- Present in a white ceramic baking dish to showcase the gooey layers
- Freeze-baked or unbaked up to 3 months
Variations and Customization
- Bacon Cheeseburger Style → Add cooked bacon crumbles + pickles on top.
- Italian Meatloaf Casserole → Use marinara instead of ketchup + mozzarella.
- Turkey Version → Ground turkey + extra seasoning.
- Low-Carb → Swap potatoes for mashed cauliflower.
- Stuffed → Mix 1 cup cheese into the meat layer before baking.
- Mini Casseroles → Bake in muffin tins for individual portions.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store covered in the fridge up to 4 days.
- Reheat at 350°F covered with foil 20–25 min.
- Freeze whole or in portions up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Serve hot and gooey—cheese must be melted!
- Pair with green salad or roasted veggies to cut richness.
- Present in a white ceramic baking dish with parsley for cozy, family-style charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 10 servings:
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Total Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
- Sodium: 920mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 32g
- Calcium: 30% Daily Value
Note: Values with beef and full-fat dairy (turkey or low-carb versions lower calories).
Conclusion
This Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole recipe delivers juicy meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes under a blanket of molten cheddar in every comforting bite. It transforms two classics into one easy, crowd-pleasing bake. Its layer-and-bake method and golden presentation make it a weeknight hero. Every forkful of cheesy, savory goodness delights the whole family. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its hearty, crowd-pleasing charm.
Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole Recipe: Juicy and Gooey
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 2½ lbs potatoes
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2½ cups cheddar
- ½ cup ketchup optional
- Optional: Parsley
- Suggested Pairings: Green beans rolls
Instructions
- Mix meat layer; press into a 9×13 dish.
- Bake 25 min at 375°F; drain fat.
- Boil and mash potatoes with cheese.
- Spread potatoes over meat; top with more cheese.
- Optional ketchup glaze.
- Bake 20–25 min until golden.
- Rest 10 min; serve in a white ceramic dish.
Notes
- Drain fat for the best texture.
- Store in fridge 4 days or freeze 3 months.
- Try bacon or an Italian variation.
- Pair with red wine.
