If you’ve ever found yourself torn between making a classic meatloaf or a pan of creamy mashed potatoes, this recipe is the best of both worlds. Introducing the Ultimate Meatloaf Casserole with Loaded Potatoes—a dish that layers rich, savory meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, crispy turkey bacon, melted cheese, and just enough toppings to make it feel like something special. This is one of those recipes I turn to when I want something cozy, filling, and guaranteed to bring everyone to the table without complaints. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but hearty enough for Sunday dinner. And best of all, it reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day (if there are any left). This casserole is comfort food at its finest: the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing and has everyone asking when dinner’s ready. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family, bringing to a potluck, or just making when you want something that hits all the right notes—savory, creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. Let’s get started with the first steps of this crowd-pleasing dinner.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE MEATLOAF BASE:

We’re starting with a simple, classic meatloaf mixture that comes together in one bowl. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef – Choose 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and tenderness.
• 1 egg – Helps bind everything together.
• ½ cup breadcrumbs – Regular or seasoned will both work.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds texture and flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better.
• ½ cup milk – Adds moisture to the meat mixture.
• 2 tablespoons ketchup – A little sweetness to balance the savory ingredients.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds a rich, umami depth to the base.
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN

Before you do anything else, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want the oven ready to go once your meatloaf layer is pressed into the dish.

STEP 2: MIX TOGETHER THE MEATLOAF INGREDIENTS

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the meatloaf base: ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything together just until combined. Don’t overmix—just work it until the mixture is evenly blended. Overmixing can make your meatloaf tough, and we want this casserole to stay moist and tender.

 

STEP 3: PRESS THE MEAT MIXTURE INTO YOUR CASSEROLE DISH

Take your greased 9×13-inch baking dish and press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom. You want a smooth, even layer that stretches across the dish—this will be the solid base for the loaded potato topping. Make sure it’s pressed in firmly, but not packed too tightly. You’re looking for even cooking and a sturdy foundation that still has some tenderness after baking.

 

STEP 4: BAKE THE MEATLOAF LAYER

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through. Depending on the fat content of your ground beef, you may see some grease pooling on the top or edges. That’s totally normal. While the meatloaf is baking, it’s the perfect time to move on to the next part of the recipe—prepping your mashed potatoes.

 

STEP 5: PREPARE THE MASHED POTATOES

If you haven’t made your mashed potatoes yet, now is the time. You’ll need about 4 cups, seasoned however you like them. You can use freshly made mashed potatoes, leftover potatoes, or even a store-bought version in a pinch. Make sure the mashed potatoes are soft and spreadable, not too stiff, so they’ll layer easily over the meatloaf base. A little bit of sour cream or butter mixed in can give them that extra creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the richness of the beef.

BRING ON THE LOADED POTATOES AND MELTY CHEESE

Now that the savory meatloaf base has baked to perfection and your mashed potatoes are prepped and ready, it’s time to take this casserole to the next level. This is where the dish really starts to shine—topped with creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheddar cheese, crispy turkey bacon, and all the fixings that turn a simple casserole into a full-blown comfort meal. If you’ve never tried combining meatloaf and loaded mashed potatoes before, get ready to be hooked. The contrast of textures—the firm, flavorful base with the soft, cheesy topping—makes every bite feel like something special. And with just a few more simple steps, your dinner will be ready to go.

STEP 6: DRAIN THE GREASE

Once your meatloaf base is fully baked (after 25–30 minutes), remove it from the oven and carefully drain off any excess grease. You can tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon or paper towel to remove it. This step helps the casserole stay rich and flavorful without becoming too heavy or greasy. Give the meat a minute or two to rest before you move on to the next layer—it helps everything set a little and makes it easier to spread the potatoes.

STEP 7: SPREAD THE MASHED POTATOES ON TOP

Now it’s time to add the mashed potato layer. Using a spoon or offset spatula, spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf base. Be gentle so you don’t disturb the meat layer underneath. Aim for a smooth, even layer of mashed potatoes that covers the entire surface of the meatloaf. You can swirl the top a bit for texture or leave it flat for a neater finish—either way, it’s going to bake up beautifully.

STEP 8: ADD CHEESE AND TURKEY BACON

Next, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes. Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor—it melts well and adds a rich, cheesy finish. Then, sprinkle on ½ cup of cooked, crumbled turkey bacon. The bacon adds a crispy, salty crunch that takes this casserole straight into comfort food territory. You can also use regular bacon if you prefer, or even a vegetarian bacon alternative for a meatless version.

 

STEP 9: BAKE UNTIL MELTED AND BUBBLY

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the topping is hot and bubbly. If you like a little bit of golden brown crispiness on top, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes—just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

STEP 10: GARNISH AND SERVE

Once your casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the layers firm up slightly, so the slices come out cleaner and hold together better on the plate. Before serving, top the casserole with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. These garnishes add brightness and a pop of color to an otherwise rich and savory dish.

TIPS AND VARIATIONS TO MAKE THIS DISH YOUR OWN:

This casserole is easy to customize based on what you like or what you have on hand. Here are a few simple ideas to switch things up:

USE DIFFERENT CHEESE

Cheddar is a classic, but other cheeses melt beautifully too:

• Monterey Jack for extra creaminess
• Pepper Jack for a spicy twist
• Mozzarella for extra stretch

ADD VEGGIES TO THE MEATLOAF

Want to sneak in some nutrition? Stir in:

• Shredded carrots or zucchini
• Finely chopped mushrooms
• Frozen peas or corn

Just be sure to sauté or drain them first to avoid adding extra moisture.

SWAP OUT THE PROTEIN

This dish works great with ground turkey or ground chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just make sure to add a bit more seasoning since leaner meats can be milder in flavor.

MAKE IT AHEAD

This casserole can be assembled in advance. Prepare the meatloaf layer, top it with mashed potatoes and cheese, and store it (covered) in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven and bake until bubbly.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE ULTIMATE MEATLOAF CASSEROLE

By now, your casserole should be golden, bubbly, and filling your kitchen with the kind of comforting aroma that makes it hard to wait for dinner. This Ultimate Meatloaf Casserole with Loaded Potatoes combines two beloved classics into one delicious dish that’s equal parts hearty, creamy, and full of flavor. But before you grab your serving spoon, let’s cover a few of the most commonly asked questions. Whether it’s your first time making this dish or you’re already planning to put it into your weeknight rotation, these quick tips and answers will help you get the best results every time.

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, and it’s a great time-saver. You can prepare the meatloaf base and potato topping, assemble the full casserole, and store it in the fridge (covered) for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before placing it in the oven.

2. Can I freeze this meatloaf casserole?

Absolutely. You can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. If freezing leftovers, store them in airtight containers and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

3. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, instant mashed potatoes will work in a pinch. Just make sure they are thick and well-seasoned to hold up as a topping. While homemade is always ideal for flavor and texture, instant potatoes can still deliver great results when time is tight.

4. What’s the best way to drain the grease from the meatloaf layer?

Once the meatloaf base is baked, tilt the baking dish carefully over the sink and use a spoon to remove any excess grease. You can also blot the top gently with paper towels. Be cautious when handling the hot dish, and use oven mitts to avoid burns.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, with a few easy swaps. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatloaf base, and ensure that your Worcestershire sauce and any other packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

6. How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

The meatloaf layer should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can check this using a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the casserole before adding the potato topping.

7. Can I use different toppings besides cheese and bacon?

Absolutely. Try adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or a layer of crispy fried onions for a different twist. You could even swap the cheddar for blue cheese crumbles or smoked gouda to switch up the flavor profile.

FINAL THOUGHTS: A FAMILY-FRIENDLY CLASSIC WITH A LOADED TWIST

This Ultimate Meatloaf Casserole is everything you want in a comfort food dinner—savory, satisfying, and simple to pull together. It’s a one-dish meal that feeds a hungry family, makes great leftovers, and brings together the cozy familiarity of meatloaf with the indulgence of loaded mashed potatoes. The layered approach gives each bite a perfect balance of texture and flavor, from the seasoned meat base to the creamy topping and cheesy finish. It’s the kind of dish that gets requested again and again, especially when comfort food cravings hit. And the best part? It’s flexible enough to adapt to your preferences, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twist, this casserole is a guaranteed dinner table hit. If you try this recipe, I’d love to know how it turns out. Did you make any changes? Add a fun topping? Make it ahead for an easy weeknight meal? Leave a comment and let me know how your family enjoyed it. Here’s to warm, filling dinners that bring everyone back to the table—and seconds that disappear just as fast as the first. Print