Description
Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring a flavorful ground beef meatloaf base topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and optional spicy sausage and green onions. Perfect for a family meal, this casserole combines classic meatloaf ingredients with a cheesy, mashed potato topping baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 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
Toppings
- 2 ½ cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked spiced sausage, crumbled
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until evenly mixed.
- Form Meatloaf Layer: Press the meat mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, creating a flat, even layer that will serve as the casserole base.
- Bake Meatloaf Layer: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Add Mashed Potatoes: Remove the dish from the oven and spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf layer to create a smooth, consistent topping.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes, then add the crumbled cooked spiced sausage for extra flavor and texture.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh pop of flavor. Slice into portions and serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure the ground beef is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Mashed potatoes can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Spiced sausage adds extra flavor but can be omitted or substituted with cooked bacon or ham.
- Green onions are optional but add a fresh, mild bite.
- Use a greased foil or parchment liner for easy cleanup if desired.
- This casserole can be assembled in advance and baked when ready.
