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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare a spacious baking dish by lightly coating with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared dish, gently pressing and shaping it into an even layer that covers the entire bottom surface.
- 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.
- While the meatloaf layer is cooking, boil diced potatoes in salted water until they become fork-tender and easily mashed.
- 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.
- Remove the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven and carefully spread the creamy mashed potatoes in an even layer across the top.
- Sprinkle crispy, crumbled bacon pieces and shredded cheddar cheese over the potato layer for added texture and flavor.
- 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.
- 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