Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Vegetables
This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Vegetables is the ultimate comfort food, combining the savory goodness of classic meatloaf, the heartiness of mixed vegetables, and the creamy, cheesy richness of mashed potatoes. Baked to perfection, this dish delivers layers of flavor and texture in every bite, making it a perfect choice for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.
With a juicy meatloaf base, a vibrant vegetable layer, and a golden, bubbly cheese topping, this casserole is a complete meal in itself. Plus, it’s versatile—you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste, whether it’s using ground turkey instead of beef, swapping out the cheese, or making it gluten-free.
Ingredients
For the meatloaf base:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup ketchup
For the vegetable layer:
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots, green beans)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the cheesy topping:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ketchup until well combined.
Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and drain any excess grease.
Spread the frozen mixed vegetables evenly over the meatloaf layer. Season with salt and black pepper.
In a bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with melted butter and garlic powder. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the vegetable layer.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For the best texture, avoid overmixing the meatloaf base, as this can make it dense.
- Draining excess grease after the first bake prevents the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Use warm milk and melted butter when mixing mashed potatoes for a smoother, creamier texture.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle crispy bacon bits or buttered breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Make it ahead – Assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight for easy baking the next day.
- Freeze for later – Store in an airtight contain