I turned classic meatloaf into the ultimate family-friendly Meatloaf Casserole! The secret? A layer of creamy mashed potatoes on top that keeps it extra juicy and flavorful.

Plated meatloaf casserole. - 1

Meatloaf Casserole: Like the Classic, But Better

  • Budget Friendly: My recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients for a meal that will fill your whole family up, but without any extra cost.
  • Perfect for Families: With meat and mashed potatoes, this dish is a hit with kids, so no worries about picky eaters!
  • Easier to Make: No shaping or slicing needed—just layer, bake, and serve!

Ingredients Needed

Overhead shot of labeled meatloaf ingredients.  - 2 Overhead shot of labeled potato layer ingredients. - 3
  • Mashed Potatoes: I highly recommend homemade mashed potatoes , but if you’re short on time, store bought works too!
  • Vegetables: I love adding some frozen veggies to my meatloaf casserole. Add 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots to the meat. It’s an easy way to up your veggie game!

How to Make Meatloaf Casserole

Making this meatloaf casserole recipe is so simple! With just a few easy steps, you’ll have this ready to pop in the oven or save to bake later! It’s similar to a Shepherd’s Pie , but without the veggies and sauce!

  1. Combine : Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Then spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. In a large mixing bowl combine ground beef, diced onion, chopped parsley, Italian breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar. Then, add the glaze to the meat mixture and stir to combine.
  3. Add to Pan: Press the meat and glaze mixture in an even layer into the prepared baking dish.
  4. Top and Bake: Spread store-bought or homemade mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture. Then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 50-60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake the meatloaf casserole for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Meatloaf ingredient combined in a bowl.   - 4

Storage and Reheating Leftovers

If you’re looking to meal prep, make a batch at the start of the week. Then you’ll have easy lunches and dinners throughout the week.

  • In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • To Reheat: Reheat portions of this meatloaf casserole in the microwave until warmed through!
  • Make Ahead : You can make the entire casserole in advance. Simply cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days before baking and serving.
Side shot of someone lifting a serving of meatloaf casserole out of the baking dish.  - 5

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Ingredients1x2x3x

Meatloaf

  • ▢ 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • ▢ ½ cup diced onion
  • ▢ 3 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • ▢ ¾ cup Italian bread crumbs
  • ▢ ½ cup milk
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ▢ 2 large eggs
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
  • ▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ▢ ¾ cup ketchup
  • ▢ 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • ▢ 3 tablespoons brown sugar

Potatoes

  • ▢ 4 cups store-bought or Homemade mashed potatoes
  • ▢ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a large bowl combine 2 pounds lean ground beef , ½ cup diced onion , 3 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped , ¾ cup Italian bread crumbs , ½ cup milk , 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce , 2 large eggs , 1 teaspoon garlic powder , ½ teaspoon salt , and ¼ teaspoon black pepper . Use clean hands to mix well.
  • In a small bowl, whisk ¾ cup ketchup , 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar , and 3 tablespoons brown sugar .
  • Add the glaze mixture into the meat mixture and mix to combine.
  • Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  • Spread 4 cups store-bought or Homemade mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture. Top with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese .
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Meatloaf Casserole - 14

Meatloaf Casserole

Ingredients

Meatloaf

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • ¾ cup Italian bread crumbs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar

Potatoes

  • 4 cups store-bought or Homemade mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a large bowl combine 2 pounds lean ground beef , ½ cup diced onion , 3 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped , ¾ cup Italian bread crumbs , ½ cup milk , 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce , 2 large eggs , 1 teaspoon garlic powder , ½ teaspoon salt , and ¼ teaspoon black pepper . Use clean hands to mix well.
  • In a small bowl, whisk ¾ cup ketchup , 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar , and 3 tablespoons brown sugar .
  • Add the glaze mixture into the meat mixture and mix to combine.
  • Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  • Spread 4 cups store-bought or Homemade mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture. Top with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese .
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Video

Nutrition

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