When the craving for true comfort food strikes, nothing satisfies quite like a hearty casserole. Our Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is the epitome of home-cooked goodness, bringing together two beloved classics into one irresistible dish. Imagine a tender, flavorful meatloaf base topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a complete meal that promises warmth and satisfaction with every forkful!
This recipe is designed to be both delicious and straightforward, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or even feeding a crowd. The combination of savory ground beef, aromatic seasonings, and rich, decadent potatoes will make this a new family favorite in no time. Get ready to impress everyone at your table!
Why This Casserole Will Become Your Go-To Comfort Meal
- Effortlessly Delicious: Combines familiar flavors in a comforting, easy-to-make format.
- Family-Friendly: A hearty meal that appeals to all ages, even picky eaters.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your family's preferences or what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes fantastic leftovers that reheat beautifully, ideal for busy days.
Essential Ingredients for Your Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole
For the Savory Meatloaf Layer:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup ketchup (for topping)
For the Creamy Potato Topping:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Casserole
Creating this delicious casserole is simpler than you think! Follow these easy steps for a meal that tastes like it took hours.
Preparing the Meatloaf Base
The foundation of this casserole is a rich and savory meatloaf. For a truly excellent meatloaf, don't overmix the ingredients; it can lead to a dense texture. For more insights on crafting the perfect meatloaf, check out Food Network's Meatloaf Tips.
Crafting the Creamy Potato Topping
The
FAQs
Can I prepare this loaded potato meatloaf casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
What are some good variations for this casserole?
Feel free to get creative! You can mix in diced bell peppers or carrots into the meatloaf, swap cheddar for a blend of Colby Jack and mozzarella, or add a sprinkle of cooked bacon bits over the top with the cheese for extra flavor.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual servings or bake the covered casserole at 350u00b0F (175u00b0C) until thoroughly warmed through.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef to make a lighter version of this casserole. Ensure the turkey is well-seasoned to maintain the savory flavor profile.
Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Comfort Food
Description
This comforting casserole combines a savory ground beef meatloaf base with a creamy, cheesy mashed potato topping, creating a hearty and satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup ketchup
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but do not overmix.
Step 3: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared casserole dish and shape it into a loaf, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Step 4: Spread the ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer, ensuring it covers the surface well.
Step 5: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the sliced potatoes. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 6: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add sour cream, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Spread the mashed potatoes over the meatloaf layer in the casserole dish.
Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes, followed by the chopped green onions.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 10: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole!
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture. To make cleanup easier, line your casserole dish with foil before greasing.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Leave a Reply