A hearty, cheesy, and comforting twist on classic meatloaf! This loaded casserole is packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, spiced sausage, and melted cheese for the ultimate crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort food at its best – A warm and satisfying meal for the whole family.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and steps make this a stress-free recipe.
- Layered with flavor – Seasoned meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and melty cheese.
- Great for meal prep – Make ahead and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Customizable – Add veggies, swap cheeses, or use different meats to mix it up.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meatloaf Base:
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Milk
- Chopped onion
- Garlic, minced
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Italian seasoning
For the Topping:
- Mashed potatoes (prepared)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooked spiced sausage, crumbled
- Chopped green onions (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Press the mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
3. Bake the Meatloaf
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked through.
4. Add the Mashed Potatoes
Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf layer.
5. Top with Cheese and Sausage
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled spiced sausage over the mashed potatoes.
6. Final Bake
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- Veggie Boost: Mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Different Cheese: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for a new flavor twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef.
2. What’s the best way to make mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Use buttery, creamy mashed potatoes for the best results. Instant mashed potatoes work in a pinch.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Try adding corn, peas, or diced carrots for extra texture.
5. What kind of sausage works best?
A spicy or smoked sausage adds great flavor, but any cooked sausage will work.
6. Can I make this in a smaller dish?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
7. What bread pairs well with this meal?
A slice of garlic bread or dinner rolls make a perfect side.
8. Can I use different cheeses?
Yes! Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese.
9. Will this casserole be too greasy?
If using high-fat ground beef, drain excess grease before adding mashed potatoes.
10. How do I make it extra crispy on top?
Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to create a golden, bubbly crust.
Conclusion
Cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole is the ultimate comfort food with layers of savory meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and melty cheese. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is hearty, delicious, and easy to make. Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!
Print
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy seasoned meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, spiced sausage, and melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, and feeding a crowd, this hearty dish is easy to make and packed with flavor!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Base:
- 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
For the 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
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Base:
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Press the mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
3. Bake the Meatloaf:
- Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
4. Add the Mashed Potatoes:
- Spread prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf layer.
5. Top with Cheese :
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
6. Final Bake:
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions (if using).
- Slice and enjoy warm!
Notes
- Meat Options: Swap ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
- Mashed Potatoes Tip: Use buttery, creamy mashed potatoes for the best texture. Instant mashed potatoes also work in a pinch.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Mix in corn, peas, or diced carrots for extra texture and nutrition.
- Crispy Topping: Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for a golden, bubbly crust.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
