Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Extravaganza 🧀🥩🔥
1. Introduction
Looking for a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal that will please the whole family? This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole recipe is a game-changer! Combining the classic flavors of ground beef recipes with a rich, gooey cheese topping, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when you crave comfort food. Inspired by the delicious version from Tea Time with Naomi, we’ve created our own twist that’s packed with protein and cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time.
2. Ingredients
1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned – panko works great too)
1 large egg (helps bind everything together)
1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred for richness)
1 small onion, finely diced (yellow or white works best)
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder in a pinch)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for that perfect stretch)
1/4 cup ketchup (optional topping – try mixing with brown sugar for sweetness)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional but adds nice color)
3. Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well using your hands (the best tools!) until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Then, gently fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese – this creates pockets of melty goodness throughout the meatloaf. Pro tip: Don’t overmix or your meatloaf may become dense.
Step 2: Grease the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter (for flavor) or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. For easy cleanup, you can also line the dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This step is especially helpful if you’re making this for meal prep or to bring to a potluck.
Step 3: Shape and Layer the Meatloaf
Transfer the meatloaf mixture into the greased baking dish and press it evenly across the bottom using slightly damp hands – this prevents sticking. For extra flavor, spread a thin layer of ketchup (or our favorite cheesy bread sauce) on top. Then, generously sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. The double cheese layer creates that irresistible golden crust everyone loves!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F when checked with a meat thermometer). For that picture-perfect golden, bubbly cheese crust, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes – but watch closely to prevent burning! Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing (this helps the juices redistribute). Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
4. Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole pairs wonderfully with so many sides! For classic comfort, try it with creamy mashed potatoes and cornbread poppers. Looking for something lighter? Serve with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad. When the weather turns cold, pair it with one of our favorite soups like Cajun potato soup or creamy chicken noodle. For an Asian twist, serve alongside homemade ramen!
5. Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. For best results, add a splash of water or broth before reheating to keep it moist. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months—just wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
6. Variations
Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for extra heat!
Italian Twist: Use Italian seasoning and swap mozzarella for provolone. Add 1/4 cup grated parmesan to the mix too.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Reduce the ketchup or use sugar-free variety.
Breakfast Version: Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon and top with a fried egg for an amazing brunch option.
7. Tips for Success
Use freshly shredded cheese from blocks – it melts better than pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-caking agents.
Don’t overmix the meatloaf – gentle mixing keeps the texture tender rather than tough.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing – this helps the juices redistribute and prevents crumbling.
For extra moisture, you can add 1/4 cup of grated zucchini or shredded carrots to the mixture.
If making ahead, prepare up to the baking step, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking (add 5-10 minutes to cooking time).
8. Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 380 | Protein: 28g (great for muscle building!) | Carbs: 12g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 20% DV | Iron: 15% DV
9. Conclusion
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or need a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe delivers every time. The combination of savory meatloaf and melty cheese is simply irresistible! For dessert, why not try our blueberry cheesecake cookies or strawberry cheesecake rolls to complete your meal. Try this casserole tonight and enjoy the delicious, cheesy goodness that’s sure to become a family favorite! 🍽️🧀🔥
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Combining classic meatloaf with a gooey cheese topping, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when you crave hearty comfort food. Easy to make and family-approved!
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup ketchup (optional topping)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and 1 cup cheddar cheese.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Press meatloaf mixture evenly into the dish. Top with ketchup (if using), then sprinkle remaining cheeses.
Bake 35-40 minutes until cooked through (160°F internal temp). Broil 2-3 minutes for a golden crust. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
Don’t overmix the meatloaf to keep it tender.
Let rest 5 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
