The Heartiest Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe Ever

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering loaded potato and meatloaf casserole that’ll make your dinner table buzz with excitement.

Layers of savory ground beef nestle between creamy potato slices, promising a hearty meal.

Crispy bacon bits and melted cheese add irresistible texture to every forkful.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel special with this unexpected twist on classic comfort food.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of rich, satisfying flavors that dance across your palate.

Cheesy, meaty, and utterly delicious, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again.

Grab your apron and let the delicious adventure begin!

Creamy, Cheesy, and Loaded with Meaty Goodness

Comfort Food Champion: A hearty one-dish meal that combines two classic favorites – meatloaf and loaded mashed potatoes – into a single satisfying casserole.

Quick Family Pleaser: Takes just 40 minutes total from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when time is tight and hunger is high.

Crowd-Pleasing Customization: Easily adaptable with optional toppings like extra bacon, green onions, or different cheese varieties to suit individual tastes and preferences.

Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like ground meat, potatoes, and common pantry staples while creating a filling meal that feeds multiple people economically.

What Goes Into Potato Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Hearty protein base for the casserole, lean cuts work best for healthier option.
• White Onion: Adds sweet aromatic flavor and texture to the meat mixture.
• Minced Garlic: Provides deep savory undertone and classic flavor enhancement.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings rich umami depth to the meat layer.
• Large Egg: Helps bind ingredients together and create cohesive meatloaf texture.

• Seasoned Bread Crumbs: Provides structure and helps absorb moisture in meat mixture.
• Cottage Cheese: Adds creamy texture and subtle protein boost.
• BBQ Sauce: Introduces sweet and tangy flavor profile to meat layer.

• Potatoes: Starchy base for creamy potato layer, peeled and diced for smooth texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and smooth consistency to potato mixture.
• Sour Cream: Creates tangy and creamy potato layer.
• Warm Milk or Half-and-Half: Helps achieve smooth, spreadable potato texture.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning.
• Ground Black Pepper: Adds subtle spicy background note.

• Thick Bacon, Crumbled: Provides crispy, smoky flavor and textural contrast.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds melty, sharp cheese flavor and golden surface.

Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Directions

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Mix Meaty Magic

• Ground meat
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Bread crumbs
• Worcestershire sauce
• Egg
• Cottage cheese
• BBQ sauce

Thoroughly blend all ingredients and press the mixture into a greased casserole dish, creating a hearty base layer.

Step 3: First Bake Session

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until it starts to set and develop a delicious golden color.

Step 4: Potato Preparation

While the meatloaf is cooking, boil diced potatoes until they’re fork-tender.

• Butter
• Sour cream
• Warm milk
• Salt
• Pepper

Whip the potatoes until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Layer And Top

Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the partially cooked meatloaf.

Sprinkle crispy bacon bits and shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 6: Final Bake

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 15 more minutes.

Look for melted, bubbly cheese and a golden-brown surface.

Serve hot and enjoy your ultimate comfort food creation!

Pro Tips for Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole

• Experiment with ground beef, turkey, or a mix for varied flavor profiles and nutritional balance.
• Add extra moisture by incorporating grated zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms into the meat mixture.
• Partially cook bacon before sprinkling on top to ensure extra crunchiness and better texture.
• Use a hand mixer when mashing potatoes to create an ultra-creamy, lump-free consistency.
• Assemble the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal preparation.

Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole – Save and Warm Like a Pro

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

Good Pairings for Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole and cut through its hearty texture.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, tangy side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the dish's heavy, comforting elements.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers to add nutrition and provide a fresh contrast to the casserole's creamy, cheesy profile.
• Complement with Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or a smooth amber ale to enhance the savory notes of the meatloaf and bring out the smoky bacon and cheese flavors.

Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole: Ingredient Enhancements

• Vegetarian Meatloaf Swap: Replace ground meat with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives for a protein-rich vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure BBQ sauce is gluten-free to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra nutrients.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives, replace cottage cheese with silken tofu, and swap milk and butter with plant-based versions for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork based on your preference or dietary needs.

• Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground meat, turkey bacon, low-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce overall calories and fat content.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

• What can I do if I don't have bread crumbs?

You can use crushed crackers, rolled oats, or even crushed cornflakes as a substitute for bread crumbs in the meatloaf mixture.

Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole blends comfort food classics with a delightful twist. Rich layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that will keep you coming back for seconds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef or turkey
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 6 slices thick bacon, cooked and crumbled

Flavoring and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Potato and Topping Layer:

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup warm milk or half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious baking dish by lightly coating with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground meat with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, beaten egg, smooth cottage cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared dish, gently pressing and shaping it into an even layer that covers the entire bottom surface.
4. Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for approximately 25 minutes, allowing the meat to cook through and develop a rich flavor.
5. While the meatloaf layer is cooking, boil diced potatoes in salted water until they become fork-tender and easily mashed.
6. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot, then mash using a potato masher or electric mixer, incorporating butter, creamy sour cream, warm milk, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and fluffy.
7. Remove the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven and carefully spread the creamy mashed potatoes in an even layer across the top.
8. Sprinkle crispy, crumbled bacon pieces and shredded cheddar cheese over the potato layer for added texture and flavor.
9. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set and make cutting easier.

Notes

• Swap ground meat with turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter, healthier version that still packs incredible flavor.
• Allow meatloaf mixture to rest for 10 minutes before pressing into dish to help binding and improve overall texture.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like smoked gouda or pepper jack to elevate the casserole’s taste profile and add unique depth.
• Use leftover mashed potatoes to speed up preparation time and reduce kitchen cleanup, making this comfort dish even more convenient.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg