When it comes to ultimate comfort food, few dishes hit the spot quite like a hearty meatloaf or a generous helping of loaded mashed potatoes. But what if you could combine these two culinary champions into one glorious, satisfying meal? Enter the Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole – a brilliant mashup that promises to become a new family favorite!
This casserole takes the best of both worlds: a savory, perfectly seasoned meatloaf base, topped with a creamy, dreamy layer of mashed potatoes, generously studded with sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. It's an explosion of flavor and texture in every bite, delivering a warmth and coziness that's simply irresistible.
Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck, this recipe is designed to be straightforward yet deliver maximum impact. Forget complicated steps; we’re all about creating deliciousness with ease. Let's dive into how you can create this magnificent comfort food mashup in your own kitchen.
The Heart of the Casserole: Perfecting Your Meatloaf
The foundation of our incredible casserole is a robust and flavorful meatloaf. Getting this layer right ensures every forkful is packed with savory goodness.
Choosing Your Ground Beef
For a juicy meatloaf that’s not too greasy, opt for lean ground beef with an 85/15 or 90/10 fat ratio. This balance provides excellent flavor and moisture. Remember, overmixing can lead to a tough meatloaf, so be gentle when combining your ingredients.
Building the Flavor
Beyond the beef, a blend of diced onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, and a touch of milk and ketchup creates that classic, comforting meatloaf taste. Ensure all ingredients are well-distributed but not overworked.
The Crown Jewel: Luscious Loaded Mashed Potatoes
What’s a 'loaded' casserole without an equally impressive potato topping? This creamy, cheesy layer is what elevates our dish from good to extraordinary.
Selecting the Best Spuds
Russet potatoes are your best friend here. Their starchy nature makes them incredibly fluffy when mashed, providing the perfect canvas for all those delicious additions. Boil them until fork-tender, then drain exceptionally well to avoid a watery topping. A quality chef's knife makes quick work of dicing your potatoes evenly before boiling.
Loading Up the Flavor
Once mashed with butter and milk, it’s time for the 'loaded' part! Sharp cheddar cheese, crispy crumbled bacon, and fresh green onions are the stars. These ingredients melt slightly into the warm potatoes, creating pockets of savory, cheesy bliss.
Assembling Your Masterpiece
Bringing these two delicious layers together is where the magic happens. A simple layering in a baking dish, followed by a bake until bubbly and golden, is all it takes.
This casserole is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. For another comforting and hearty meal, you might enjoy our Slow Cooker Beef Curry: An Easy, Flavorful & Comforting Recipe.
Whether you're new to making casseroles or a seasoned pro, this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is a delightful experience. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, ready to dig into a dish that feels like a warm hug. If you're looking for another classic comfort food to add to your repertoire, consider trying The Ultimate Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Copycat (Clara's Recipes) for a rich and creamy pasta night!
Watch How It's Made!
FAQs
What type of potatoes are best for this casserole?
Russet potatoes are highly recommended for the mashed potato topping. Their high starch content makes them light and fluffy when mashed, absorbing butter and milk beautifully without becoming watery. Yukon Golds can also be a good alternative for a creamier texture.
Can I prepare parts of this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can certainly prepare the meatloaf mixture and mashed potatoes a day ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole just before baking, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through evenly from cold.
What kind of ground meat should I use for the meatloaf?
For the most flavorful and moist meatloaf, we recommend using a ground beef with an 85/15 or 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio. This provides enough fat to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy without making the entire casserole greasy. Avoid overly lean ground beef, as it can result in a dry texture.
Can I freeze this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Once baked and cooled completely, you can freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until hot. For best results, consider freezing before baking, then thaw and bake as directed, potentially adding extra baking time.
Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Meat-based
Description
A delightful mashup of two classic comfort foods, combining savory meatloaf with creamy, cheesy loaded mashed potatoes and crispy bacon.
Ingredients
2 lbs lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tsp salt, divided
1/2 tsp black pepper, divided
3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/2 cup milk or heavy cream, warmed
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
3 green onions, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup milk, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Bake the meatloaf layer for 20 minutes to allow some of the fat to render and the meatloaf to begin cooking.
Step 5: While the meatloaf bakes, place the quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
Step 6: Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add the warmed milk/cream, butter, sour cream, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mash until smooth.
Step 7: Fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and most of the chopped green onions (reserve a small amount for garnish).
Step 8: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly over the partially baked meatloaf layer.
Step 9: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the potatoes.
Step 10: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly and the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C).
Step 11: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with the reserved green onions.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the mashed potatoes. Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends like Monterey Jack or smoked gouda.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 casserole
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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