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Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

This Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole Recipe combines tender homemade meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and a generous layer of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. It's an easy comfort-food dinner made in one baking dish and is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, and using leftover mashed potatoes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Meatloaf Layer
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Mashed Potato Layer
  • 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Cheese Topping
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, optional
  • Optional Glaze
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  4. Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  5. If using the glaze, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Spread evenly over the meatloaf.
  6. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through.
  7. While the meatloaf bakes, combine the mashed potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy.
  8. Carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven and drain excess liquid if necessary.
  9. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf layer.
  10. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the potatoes.
  11. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  12. For a more golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
  13. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  14. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Don't overmix the meat mixture, or the meatloaf can become dense.
Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for this recipe.
Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese can be used.
For a Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe variation, replace the breadcrumbs with about 1 cup dry stuffing mix.
If using stuffing mix, reduce the added salt because the stuffing is already seasoned.
Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef.
Finely diced carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added to the meat mixture.
Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps the layers set.
Make sure the meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.