Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole

by

Description

This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food combination! It’s a hearty, flavor-packed meal that layers juicy, seasoned meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheese, and crisp bacon on top. Imagine all your favorite classic flavors — meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and loaded toppings — baked together into one delicious dish. Perfect for Sunday dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd!

Ingredients For Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole

For the Meatloaf Layer

  • 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 1 egg

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)

  • ½ cup milk

  • 2 tbsp ketchup

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Mashed Potato Layer

  • 4–5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • 4 tbsp butter

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • ¼ cup milk (adjust for creaminess)

  • Salt & pepper to taste

For the Topping

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 4–5 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)

 Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.

  2. Make the Meatloaf Base:
    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix!
    Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

  3. Bake the Meatloaf:
    Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until mostly cooked through. Drain any excess grease if needed.

  4. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
    While the meatloaf bakes, boil potatoes until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash with butter, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.

  5. Assemble the Casserole:
    Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf layer. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top.

  6. Final Bake:
    Return to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
    Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden crust.

  7. Garnish & Serve:
    Sprinkle green onions or parsley on top before serving. Enjoy hot!

 Servings

  • Makes 6 hearty servings

 Notes

  • For extra flavor, mix BBQ sauce or ketchup glaze on top of the meatloaf before adding mashed potatoes.

  • You can make the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate — just bake it for an extra 10 minutes when reheating.

  • Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

 Tips

  • Use Yukon Gold potatoes for extra creamy texture.

  • Don’t overwork the meatloaf mixture; it keeps it tender.

  • Add a handful of shredded mozzarella with the cheddar for extra cheesiness.

  • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep layers intact.

 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Approximate values)

  • Calories: 520 kcal

  • Protein: 32 g

  • Fat: 28 g

  • Carbohydrates: 32 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

  • Sodium: 670 mg

 Health & Nutritional Benefits

  • Protein-packed: Excellent source of high-quality protein from beef and cheese.

  • Calcium-rich: Thanks to the cheese and milk.

  • Comforting carbs: Potatoes provide energy and potassium.

  • Balanced meal: Includes protein, fat, and carbs — perfect for family dinners.

 Q&A

Q1: Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead?
Yes, for convenience you can — just make them thicker than usual so they hold up on top of the meatloaf.

Q2: How can I make this casserole healthier?
Use lean ground beef or turkey, low-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Q3: Can it be frozen?
Absolutely! Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat covered at 350°F until hot.

Q4: What can I serve with it?
A side of steamed green beans, salad, or roasted veggies pairs beautifully.

Q5: Can I make it spicy?
Yes — add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes to the meat mixture for a kick!

Leave a Comment