If you’re craving the kind of soul-satisfying comfort food that brings a big smile to your face, the Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is about to become your new family favorite. This delightful casserole layers a juicy, savory meatloaf base with fluffy mashed potatoes, oozy cheddar cheese, and all the best loaded potato toppings—think crispy bacon, green onions, and, if you wish, a dollop of creamy sour cream. It’s a weeknight hero, a potluck champion, and one of those dishes everyone will be reaching for seconds. With just a handful of staples and an hour in the oven, you’ll have a meal that’s equal parts hearty, cheesy, and totally irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long grocery list for this recipe; just a few familiar basics that come together in the most amazing way! Every ingredient in Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole brings its own touch—whether it’s extra savoriness from the Worcestershire sauce or the golden richness from cheddar cheese, nothing is here by accident.
- Ground Beef (1 1/2 pounds): The hearty foundation of your casserole; opt for 80/20 for juiciness.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Helps bind everything together and keeps your meatloaf tender, never dry.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Adds moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth meatloaf base.
- Egg (1 large): Essential for holding the meat mixture together; no crumbling here!
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Delivers a mellow sweetness and a pop of color.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds subtle pungency that rounds out the meat flavors.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): For a deep, savory, umami kick you can’t quite put your finger on.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): A must for bringing all the flavors together—don’t skimp!
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Tiny bit of heat to amp up the entire dish.
- Mashed Potatoes (4 cups, prepared and seasoned): Your fluffy, creamy potato blanket; leftovers work brilliantly.
- Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts into the potatoes for sheer cheese pull magic.
- Bacon (4 slices, cooked and chopped): Classic loaded potato flavor and a fabulous crunchy finish.
- Green Onions (2, sliced): Sprinkle for a little zip and a pop of color right before serving.
- Sour Cream (2 tablespoons, optional): For tangy richness—swirl on top if you love that loaded potato flair.
How to Make Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole
Step 1: Set Up for Success
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×9-inch (or similarly sized) baking dish. This quick prep step ensures your meatloaf won’t stick and your casserole emerges cleanly sliced and picture-perfect.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything together—your hands work best here—just until it’s evenly blended. This is key for keeping your meatloaf tender, not tough!
Step 3: Press & Bake the Meatloaf Layer
Evenly press the meat mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out into a nice, flat layer. Slide it into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat is cooked through and the juices run clear—don’t forget to carefully drain any excess grease.
Step 4: Layer the Potatoes
Scoop your mashed potatoes (homemade or leftovers are both perfect) right over the cooked meatloaf, and spread them out evenly. The creamy potatoes create a dreamy layer that transforms your meatloaf into full-blown casserole status!
Step 5: Add Cheese & Bacon
Shower the top with shredded cheddar and the crispy chopped bacon—this is where that fantastic “loaded potato” flavor really takes shape. Pop the casserole back in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, just enough for the cheese to melt, bubble, and get beautifully gooey.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, immediately top with sliced green onions and a swirl of sour cream if you like. Let the Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing, so every piece stays neat and tempting.
How to Serve Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole
Garnishes
Give your casserole the loaded baked potato treatment: scatter sliced green onions right after baking, and add a generous dollop of sour cream to each serving for a cool, tangy contrast to the gooey cheese and crispy bacon. You could even sprinkle over a little extra cheddar if you’re feeling indulgent!
Side Dishes
Although the Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is a meal in itself, it pairs beautifully with simple side salads or steamed green beans to balance all that rich, savory goodness. A crisp Caesar or lemony arugula salad will liven things up (and maybe leave room for seconds).
Creative Ways to Present
Try portioning the casserole into ramekins for individualized servings—perfect for a dinner party! Or serve it “bar-style,” with bowls of extra toppings like chives, hot sauce, or crispy onions, so everyone can customize their plate of this comforting classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover casserole into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making day-two slices positively crave-worthy!
Freezing
Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, slice, and pack individual servings or the whole pan tightly wrapped in foil and plastic wrap. It’ll keep for up to 2 months; just make sure to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until piping hot (about 20 minutes for a big portion, less for a single slice). You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven helps keep those cheesy, bacon-y layers at their best.
FAQs
Can I make Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs for the regular ones, and make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this comfort dish can fit a variety of diets.
What kind of mashed potatoes work best?
Use your favorite mashed potato recipe—yukon golds, russets, or even red potatoes all shine here. Leftover mashed potatoes save you a step and taste just as dreamy. Just make sure they’re well seasoned for the best results in your Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole.
Can I use another type Main Course
Definitely! Ground turkey or a blend of ground pork and beef works wonderfully if you want to switch things up. Just keep an eye on the fat content—lean meats can dry out, so consider adding a splash more milk.
How do I add extra veggies?
Feel free to sauté some mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach and mix them into the meatloaf base or layer them above the potatoes for an extra dose of flavor and color. It’s an easy way to sneak more veggies into this already hearty dish.
Can I assemble it ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole (leave off the green onions and sour cream) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes to ensure it heats through before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is pure home-cooked happiness—easy enough for busy weeknights, but special enough to share with loved ones. If you’re seeking a dish that feels familiar yet fresh, this one strikes the perfect balance of cozy, cheesy, and totally customizable. Give it a try, and watch it disappear from your table in record time!
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Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole combines the hearty flavors of meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, topped with melted cheese and crispy bacon. A comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Potato Layer:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared and seasoned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon (chopped)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Mix Meatloaf: Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Press into the baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Add Potatoes: Spread mashed potatoes over the meatloaf. Top with cheese and bacon. Bake for another 10-15 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with green onions and sour cream. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Leftover mashed potatoes work well in this recipe.
- Ground turkey or a beef-pork blend can be used.
- Additional sautéed mushrooms or veggies can be added for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
