The Sassy Barn

Meatloaf Casserole

Eat till it hurts

February 13, 2024

This hearty Meatloaf Casserole is a quick and easy one pan meal for when family and friends are craving a delicious, satisfying comfort food classic. Easier to make than separate recipes of meatloaf and potatoes!

slice of cooked meatloaf casserole on spatula coming out of a baking dish

Comfort food cures all in my book – it’s cozy, warm, and feeds your belly and soul. This rich and hearty Meatloaf Casserole is certainly all of those things, plus it’s comfort food made convenient in an easy, delicious casserole form. This simple twist on traditional meatloaf and mashed potatoes is the perfect dinner idea to feed a crowd on a busy weeknight.

Seasoned ground beef is transformed into savory meatloaf, then topped with fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes in the ultimate comfort food creation. With a handful of simple ingredients, pantry staples, and an easy method, this meatloaf casserole a great meal-prep recipe the whole family, kids included, will love.

If you like this recipe, try some of our other favorite comfort food classics. We love these our Crock Pot Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Chicken Pot Pies, or our viral Creamy Mac and Cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hearty Comfort Food: Cozy casserole meats hearty meatloaf in a stick-to-your-ribs meal. This recipe transforms the ultimate comfort food into casserole form
  • Meatloaf Made Easy: This casserole has all of the best parts of meatloaf, but without the hassle of shaping and slicing the traditional version. It’s way easier and just as delicious.
  • All-In-One Meal: This casserole has everything you want in one dish. It’s packed with protein, veggies, and flavor, all by the forkful. No need to make any extras.
  • Great For Leftovers and Meal Prep: Leftovers keep and reheat beautifully, so you have an extra meal ready the next day. And this is a great prep-ahead dish, so dinner can be served hassle-free.
meatloaf casserole ingredients on white table with flowers in background

Ingredients

  • Ground Beef: 80/20 keeps this casserole rich and flavorful, but if you’d like to go leaner, 90/10 works just as well.
  • Milk: Whole milk is best here.
  • Breadcrumbs: Gives the meatloaf some body. Use whatever you have on hand; plain, seasoned, or panko work.
  • Eggs: I recommend using size Large eggs. These act as a binder in the casserole.
  • Meatloaf Seasoning Mix: Make your own and store in the pantry for future use. Here’s my go-to blend:
    • 4 tsp dried mustard
    • 4 tsp paprika
    • 3 tsp salt
    • 2 tsp dried thyme
    • 2 tsp basil
    • 2 tsp pepper
    • 2 tsp garlic powder
    • 2 tsp onion powder
  • Mashed Potatoes: Make your own or use your favorite store-bought variety as the fluffy, indulgent topping.
  • Cheese: A flavorful finish to sprinkle on top.

How To Make Meatloaf Casserole

  1. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Start by mixing you beef, milk, eggs, breadcrumbs and seasoning in a bowl until well combined.
raw ground meat in bottom of white baking dish

2. Put your meat mixture in a greased casserole dish (10×10 or 9×13) and top with mashed potatoes. Make sure the potatoes cover the whole top.

raw meat in bottom of white baking dish topped with mashed potatoes

3. Sprinkle cheese on top and bake for 1 hour.

shredded yellow cheddar cheese on top of mashed potatoes and ground meat in white dish
cooked meatloaf casserole in white dish on top of placemat on wood table

Expert Tips

  • Avoid Over-mixing: Do not overwork the meat mixture! It can be tempting to do, but only combine the mixture until everything’s just incorporated to keep it tender.
  • Use Higher-Fat Ground Beef: Using ground meat with a higher fat content keeps the meatloaf juicier and more flavorful. We like 80/20, but if you go with something leaner, it’ll still be delicious, just slightly drier in texture.
  • Make the Mashed Potatoes Homemade: You can totally do this and it’s definitely worth the effort here if you have the time. Store-bought varieties work well, too, and instant potatoes if you’re in a pinch.
    • If you boil them or use your Instant Pot to cook the potatoes until they’re tender, when you’re ready to mash I add in 1/2 cup to 1 cup of milk, 1/2 block of cream cheese, a sprinkle of Asiago, salt, pepper and garlic salt.
  • Add the Cheese Last: Hold off on adding the cheese until the very end of baking, so everything melts just perfectly.
  • Rest Before Slicing: It can be tempting to dig in immediately, but let this casserole rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving for nice, thick portions that don’t fall apart.

Variations

  • Use Other Proteins: Ground beef is the classic choice, but swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter casserole, or add in ground sausage or pork with the beef for a different flavor profile.
  • Add Ketchup or BBQ Sauce: These are both classic meatloaf flavors. Add a few tablespoons of either for extra flavor and added moisture.
  • Add Aromatics: Try mixing in sautéed onions or garlic for even more fresh flavor.
  • Top With Cheese: Adding a sprinkle of sharp cheddar, mozzarella or Colby Jack on top would be delicious. Just be sure to shred the cheese yourself for the best melt.

What To Serve With Meatloaf Casserole

This casserole is the perfect hearty meal on it’s own, but if you want to bulk it up even more with a veggie or easy side, we like to serve it alongside of:

  • Simple green salad
  • Roasted green beans or broccoli
  • Glazed carrots
  • Dinner rolls or biscuits
Forkful of cooked meatloaf casserole with individual serving on plate, and casserole dish, in background

Storage Instructions

If you’ve got leftovers, consider tomorrow night’s dinner handled, too! Store casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

This is also a great freezer-friendly dish for easy future meals. Simply assemble and bake, allow the casserole to cool, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

This casserole reheats beautifully. Simply rewarm in the oven at 350ºF, covered, for about 15 minutes. Or if you’re in a pinch, reheat in the microwave in 30 second intervals.

You can also make this ahead of time and serve later. Just fully assemble the casserole, cover and store in the fridge, and when you’re ready to enjoy, bake per the instructions.

FAQs

What size casserole dish should I use?

A 9×13 dish works best for feeding a family. Any variety of this size or something similar should work, whether it’s a rectangle or oval.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, instant potatoes certainly do the trick, however homemade mashed potatoes give the best flavor and texture.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The meat layer should be fully cooked through and the cheese will be melted and lightly golden.

More Easy Dinner Ideas

slice of cooked meatloaf casserole on spatula coming out of dish with table and chair in background

Meatloaf Casserole

This hearty Meatloaf Casserole is a quick and comforting one pan meal that's easier to make than separate dishes of meatloaf and potatoes!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings: 6 servings
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 1/2 Tablespoons meatloaf seasoning see below or use your own seasonings!
  • Mashed Potatoes make your own or see my recipe below

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375. Start by mixing you beef, milk, eggs, breadcrumbs and seasoning in a bowl until well combined.
  2. Put your meat mixture in a greased casserole dish (10×10 or 9×13) and top with mashed potatoes. Make sure the potatoes cover the whole top. Sprinkle cheese on top and bake for 1 hour.

Notes

Mashed Potato Directions
I love rich mashed potatoes and love cooking them in my instant pot. Either way you like to make them, when you’re ready to mash I add in 1/2 cup to 1 cup of milk, 1/2 block of cream cheese, a sprinkle of Asiago, salt, pepper and garlic salt.
If you want to make the meatloaf seasoning mix from scratch: 
Meatloaf Seasoning Mix
  • 4 teaspoons dried mustard
  • 4 teaspoons paprika
  • 3 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoon basil
  • 2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoon onion powder
Mix all together and store in a spice jar. This will make enough for 3 meatloafs. You can always double this mix for larger quantities and store in a larger jar.

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