The moment you pull this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole out of the oven, the scent will instantly fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table. The cheese, melted and golden on top, bubbles enticingly as it starts to crisp up just around the edges. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory, comforting flavors – the hearty meatloaf beneath providing a juicy base, while the gooey cheese melts into every crevice, making it feel like a warm hug in a dish.
I love how versatile this casserole can be, too. It’s the kind of recipe you can make your own, adding in a little extra heat with some jalapeños if you’re in the mood for a spicy kick, or sneaking in some veggies like sautéed onions or bell peppers for added flavor. The beauty of this dish is that it’s all about layers – layers of cheese, meatloaf, and toppings that come together like a delicious, cheesy symphony.
And can we talk about leftovers? If you’re lucky enough to have any, the flavors deepen overnight, and the casserole just gets better. My secret? I love to have a slice the next day with a crispy salad or some fresh bread on the side – it makes the perfect lunch. It’s a dish that brings a sense of nostalgia, while still being a fun and exciting twist on a classic. I’m telling you, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming of cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole for days!
Key Ingredients in Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
This dish is all about layers of comforting goodness, and each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavors. From the tender meatloaf base to the gooey cheese topping, here’s a breakdown of what makes this casserole so irresistible.
- Ground Beef: The heart of the casserole, ground beef gives that classic meatloaf flavor – rich, savory, and juicy. It’s the perfect foundation for all those delicious toppings and cheese.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatloaf together, ensuring every bite has that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They also soak up the flavors, adding a subtle flavor layer without being overpowering.
- Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the breadcrumbs and beef together. They give the casserole structure, helping it hold its shape while keeping everything nice and tender.
- Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Cheddar adds that irresistible gooey, melty texture and a sharp flavor that perfectly contrasts the savory beef. It crisps up beautifully on top, making every bite a cheesy delight.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds a rich, creamy texture and a comforting flavor. It helps keep the casserole moist and adds a depth of umami that brings everything together in the most delicious way.
- Ketchup: A classic meatloaf addition, ketchup brings a touch of sweetness and tang that balances out the savory meat and cheese. It’s the perfect finishing touch for drizzling over the top before baking.
- Onions: Whether you sauté them or add them raw, onions offer a sweet and slightly savory kick that complements the beef and cheese. They’re an essential ingredient that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder infuses the casserole with a warm, aromatic flavor that’s just the right amount of savory without being overpowering.
- Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness that lightens up the dish and brings balance to all the rich, hearty flavors. Plus, it looks beautiful on top when sprinkled after baking!
Each of these ingredients plays an important role, working together to create a dish that’s hearty, cheesy, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or serving it to guests, this casserole will never disappoint!
How to Make Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives your oven time to heat up while you prepare everything else. Trust me, you want it hot and ready for that cheesy goodness to bake perfectly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1 small onion (finely chopped), 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. You can use your hands for this – it’s the best way to make sure every bit of meat is perfectly seasoned.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the dish. This will be the base layer of your casserole, so shape it nicely so it can hold all the toppings later.
- Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes. This will cook the meat through and give it a nice foundation. Don’t worry if it looks a little plain right now – that’s about to change!
- While the meatloaf is baking, grab a medium-sized bowl and mix together 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of ketchup, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese is well incorporated into the sauce.
- After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven. Carefully pour the creamy, cheesy mixture over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the meatloaf.
- Sprinkle an extra 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole for that ultimate gooey, cheesy finish. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some chopped jalapeños or extra herbs on top at this point – the choice is yours!
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows everything to set just right so you can slice it without making a mess. Sprinkle a little chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
And there you have it – your cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole is ready to be devoured!
Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
1. Pair with a Crisp Green Salad
There’s something magical about the contrast between the rich, cheesy meatloaf casserole and a fresh, crisp salad. I love to serve mine with a tangy vinaigrette-dressed salad—maybe a mix of arugula, spinach, and some thinly sliced red onions. The freshness and acidity balance out the richness of the casserole and give your meal that extra pop!
2. Add a Side of Garlic Bread
For those of us who can’t resist a little extra carb action, garlic bread is the way to go. The crispy, buttery bread pairs perfectly with the melty casserole, and it’s perfect for scooping up all that cheesy goodness. Bonus points if you toast it until golden, so you can get that satisfying crunch with every bite!
3. Serve with Roasted Vegetables
For a more wholesome, hearty meal, try serving your cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole with a side of roasted veggies. Think golden-brown carrots, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even some crispy roasted potatoes. The savory flavors of the vegetables complement the casserole, making it feel like a complete, satisfying dinner. Plus, they add a little color to your plate!
Whichever way you choose to serve it, just know that this casserole will shine as the star of the show. You really can’t go wrong!
How to Store Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), storing your cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole properly is key to keeping all that cheesy goodness intact. The first thing you’ll want to do is let the casserole cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps preserve the texture and prevents any condensation from forming inside the container, which could make it soggy.
For short-term storage, just cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. I always recommend reheating it gently in the oven so the cheese can melt back into that perfect gooey state—just cover it with foil to keep the moisture in while it warms up.
If you’re looking to store it for a little longer, freezing is the way to go. Once the casserole is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and place it in the freezer. It’ll stay good for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat it in the oven until it’s piping hot. Trust me, this dish freezes beautifully, and the flavors are just as amazing the second time around!
Conclusion
And there you have it—your very own cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole, straight from my cozy kitchen to yours! This dish is a perfect balance of comfort and indulgence, with every bite oozing that melty, cheesy goodness. It’s the kind of recipe that will have your family and friends coming back for more, and the leftovers? They’re just as good (if not better) the next day!
Whether you serve it with a fresh salad, crispy garlic bread, or some roasted veggies, this casserole will always be the star of the meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that delightful combination of flavors.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—whether you tried my extra cheesy version or added your own twist. Got any questions? Need a hand while you’re making it? Drop me a line! I’m always here to chat food and share tips. So go ahead, preheat that oven, and get ready for a meal that’ll warm your heart and your tummy. Enjoy!
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
Description
A savory twist on classic meatloaf, this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole layers tender, seasoned meat with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and a tangy sauce. Each bite is a perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and irresistible warmth. You won’t want to miss it!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and Italian sausage, using your hands or a spoon to mix them together until well incorporated.
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Add the diced onion to the meat mixture and stir to evenly distribute the onion throughout.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the breadcrumbs and milk until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and form a slightly thickened mixture.
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Add the breadcrumb mixture to the meat mixture, stirring gently to combine.
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Crack the eggs into the bowl with the meat mixture and mix until the eggs are fully incorporated.
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Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper, making sure all the spices are evenly distributed.
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Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese, mixing gently to avoid overworking the meat mixture.
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Transfer the meat mixture into a lightly greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
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In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
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Pour the ketchup mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it out with a spoon to cover the entire surface.
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Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
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Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Note
- For extra flavor, try adding finely chopped garlic or bell peppers to the meat mixture.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, swap the Italian sausage for hot sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- For a lower-carb version, use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, like provolone or pepper jack, for a unique twist.
- Let the meatloaf rest after baking to ensure it holds together when slicing.
