Meatloaf Casserole

This Meatloaf Casserole is a family favorite all throughout the year. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have dinner for a crowd on the table in an hour. Perfect to entertain or make ahead on a busy week, it's a comforting dinner that is guaranteed to be a success.

Oh meatloaf, you are truly one of the best comfort foods around. My family created this meatloaf casserole years ago, and it's still one of our favorite comfort food recipes today. No matter the season, it's goodness in every bite.

It's similar to a shepherd's pie in that it's layers of meatloaf and mashed potatoes. I like to top the mashed potato layer with lots of cheese and buttery crackers for crunchy, gooey goodness.

The best part about this recipe is that it's ready in an hour, affordable, and truly a crowd-pleaser. We make it ahead of time during a busy week because the leftovers are truly better than the recipe on the day it's baked!

If you love a casserole recipe, we are truly the experts, they're our favorite. Try our Chicken and Swiss Casserole, Tuna Noodle Casserole, and Reuben Casserole.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• 15 minutes of prep time. This meatloaf casserole only takes 15 minutes to prep. You simply mix the ingredients together and bake, couldn't be easier than that.
• Great to make ahead. During a busy week, you can make the meatloaf layer, bake it and cool. Place the potatoes on top and pop it into the fridge. When you're ready for dinner, simply bake and serve.
• Use store-bought ingredients to make it even easier. The mashed potatoes can be the kind you find in the refrigerated prepared foods section of the grocery store if you don't have time to whip up homemade. It's still just as delicious.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

Meatloaf Layer:

• Ground beef: The protein base for the meatloaf layer. We recommend lean ground beef here.
• Crushed crackers: Helps bind the meatloaf ingredients.
• Diced onion: Gives that nice onion flavor in the meatloaf layer.
• Garlic powder: Infuses each bite with the sweet flavor of garlic.
• Egg: Binds everything together.
• Milk: Keeps the meatloaf moist and tender after being baked.
• Ketchup: Adds the hint of sweetness we all love in this classic dish.
• Worcestershire sauce: Gives a punch of umami in each bite.
• Seasoning Salt Blend or Salt and Pepper: It's important to season everything when cooking. A seasoning salt blend or salt and pepper enhances the flavor. Livia’s Seasoning Salt is my go-to blend.

Mashed Potatoes:

• Store-bought or homemade mashed potatoes: Similar to a shepherd's pie, the mashed potatoes will be on top of the meatloaf.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Another cheesy layer to bring it all together.

Topping:

• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a gooey, cheesy element to each bite.
• Crushed crackers: Gives a crunchy component that's so delicious.
• Melted butter: Helps bind the topping together.

Tools You'll Need

• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• 13"x9" Baking Dish
• Cheese Grater
• Mixing Bowls

How to Make Meatloaf Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cracker crumbs, onion, garlic powder, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning salt blend. Mix just until everything is well incorporated. Don't overmix.

3. Press the meat mixture evenly into 13"x9" baking dish.

4. Bake the meatloaf layer for 25-30 minutes, or until the meat is nearly cooked cooked through. It will finish during the final bake time.
5. While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the mashed potatoes. If using store-bought, heat according to package instructions then stir in cheddar cheese. If making homemade, follow the Whipped Mashed Potatoes or Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes recipes linked and once mashed, stir in cheddar cheese.

6. Once the meatloaf layer is cooked, remove it from the oven. Carefully pour off excess grease into a bowl. Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.

8. Mix cracker crumbs with melted butter, and sprinkle on top.

9. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown. Cool 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips

• Don't over-mix your meatloaf mixture. This is so important, if you over-mix the ingredients the meatloaf can be chewy. Gently mix everything together then bake.
• Use lean ground beef for your meatloaf. This ensures that not too much fat will soak up in the pan. 90/10 ground beef is perfect.
• Be sure to cook the beef mixture first before layering on the potatoes. This is required for the recipe to work to make sure the meatloaf is cooked correctly.
• Store-bought or homemade mashed potatoes are great! Make it easy on yourself with store-bought, or use my homemade recipe.

Storage and Freezing

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a few minutes or until warmed through.

You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature on the counter for a couple of hours. Then microwave or pop into the oven until warmed through for a few minutes.

This casserole is also perfect to make ahead for a party or busy weeknight. Just bake the meatloaf layer first, let it cool, then add the mashed potatoes and cheese on top and pop into the fridge. Bake in the oven right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comforting Casserole Recipes

• Meatball Sub Casserole
• Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
• Grits and Sausage Casserole
• Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole