When it comes to hearty, comforting meals, Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is a dish that checks all the boxes. This delightful casserole combines the classic flavors of meatloaf with a creamy, cheesy potato layer, creating a satisfying meal that your whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this casserole is not only delicious but also a breeze to prepare.
Imagine digging into a warm, bubbling casserole filled with savory ground beef, aromatic onions, and garlic, all topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. The combination of textures—from the tender meatloaf to the fluffy potatoes—makes every bite a delight. Plus, this dish is versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or side dishes, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this casserole comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of meatloaf and loaded potatoes creates a hearty meal that will fill you up.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own.
- Great for Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep.
Ingredients List
To create your delicious Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 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 the Potato Layer:
- 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
For precise measurements and additional tips, please refer to the recipe card.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
- 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: Shape the Meatloaf
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared casserole dish and shape it into a loaf, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Step 4: Add the Ketchup
- Spread the ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer, ensuring it covers the surface well.
Step 5: Prepare the Potato Layer
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the sliced potatoes. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add sour cream, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the mashed potatoes over the meatloaf layer in the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes, followed by the chopped green onions.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole!
Variations & Substitutions
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers, carrots, or peas into the meatloaf mixture for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture for a spicy twist.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store any leftover Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can cook the meatloaf mixture in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, then add the potato layer and cook for an additional 1-2 hours.
Why is my meatloaf dry?
Make sure not to overmix the meatloaf mixture and use enough moisture (milk, egg) to keep it juicy.
Conclusion
This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that brings together the best of two beloved classics. With its hearty flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
We’d love to hear how your Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole turns out! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know if you tried any variations. For more delicious recipes, visit https://eldralys.com/ and keep exploring the joy of cooking!
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Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole: A Comforting Family Favorite
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 portions 1x
Description
Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty, comforting meal combining classic meatloaf flavors with creamy, cheesy potatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, this casserole is easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your whole family.
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
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but do not overmix.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the casserole dish and shape into a loaf, spreading evenly across the bottom.
- Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer.
- Boil sliced potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add sour cream, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Spread mashed potatoes over meatloaf layer in casserole dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions over the potatoes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Customize by adding vegetables or spices to the meatloaf. Leftovers reheat well and the casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Plat Principal
- Method: Au Four
- Cuisine: Américaine
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
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