Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole

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🍽️ Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole

📖 Description

This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole combines two comfort-food favorites into one hearty dish. A juicy, seasoned meatloaf base is topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon, making it a full meal in a single bite. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, this casserole is satisfying, filling, and loaded with flavor.

📝 Ingredients for Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole

  • 1 ½ lbs (700 g) ground beef (or beef/pork mix)

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian style)

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup milk

  • 2 tbsp ketchup (plus extra for topping, optional)

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried parsley/oregano mix)

For the Mashed Potato Layer:

  • 4–5 large potatoes, peeled & diced

  • 4 tbsp butter

  • ½ cup sour cream (or cream cheese)

  • ½ cup milk (warm)

  • Salt & pepper to taste

For the Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon

  • 2 green onions, sliced

🍳 Instructions

  1. Prepare Meatloaf Layer:

    • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

    • In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings until well combined.

    • Press mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

    • Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.

  2. Make Mashed Potatoes:

    • While meatloaf is baking, boil potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15 minutes).

    • Drain, then mash with butter, sour cream, and warm milk. Season with salt and pepper.

  3. Assemble the Casserole:

    • Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the baked meatloaf.

    • Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.

  4. Bake & Finish:

    • Return casserole to the oven for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

    • Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

🍴 Servings

  • Makes 6–8 servings

💡 Notes

  • You can add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or grated carrots to the meatloaf for extra flavor and nutrition.

  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

  • Use leftover mashed potatoes if you want a quicker prep time.

🔑 Tips

  • For extra creaminess, add shredded cheese directly into the mashed potatoes before spreading them.

  • If you like a tangy glaze, spread ketchup or BBQ sauce on top of the meatloaf layer before adding the potatoes.

  • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting for neater slices.

📊 Nutritional Info (per serving, based on 6 servings)

  • Calories: ~480

  • Protein: 28 g

  • Carbohydrates: 26 g

  • Fat: 28 g

  • Fiber: 3 g

  • Sodium: ~780 mg

🌟 Benefits

  • Balanced meal: Provides protein, carbs, and fats in one dish.

  • Family-friendly: A comforting recipe that appeals to both kids and adults.

  • Customizable: Easy to adapt with different meats, cheeses, or toppings.

  • Meal prep friendly: Stores well in the fridge and freezer.

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
✅ Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the cheese layer, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake before serving.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
✅ Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q3: Can I freeze it?
✅ Yes, freeze baked or unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q4: What can I serve with this dish?
✅ A fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread pairs beautifully.

Q5: Can I make it low-carb?
✅ Yes, swap the mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash.

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