Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole with Mashed Potato Topping

🧀🥩 Get ready to upgrade your comfort food game with this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole! This isn’t your grandma’s meatloaf—it’s a flavor-packed feast layered with savory meat, a saucy surprise, and topped with cheesy mashed potatoes and bacon. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

Meatloaf Layer:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1/2 cup milk (or beef broth for extra flavor)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided into two 1/2 cup portions)

Potato Topping:

• 5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided into 1 cup and 1/2 cup portions)
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish

Saucy Middle Layer:

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions