When comfort food calls, few dishes deliver satisfaction quite like a casserole. Combining the heartiness of classic meatloaf with the creamy indulgence of loaded mashed potatoes, the Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole is a recipe that transforms two family favorites into one irresistible dish. Picture layers of juicy, flavorful meatloaf, topped with buttery mashed potatoes, gooey melted cheese, and smoky bacon. It’s rich, filling, and perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings. The best part? Everything comes together in a single baking dish, making cleanup just as easy as the eating.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Base:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend for flavor and juiciness)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
For the Mashed Potato Layer:
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk (add more if needed for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Place cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl. Mash with butter, sour cream, and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until combined. Do not overmix to avoid dense meatloaf.
Step 3: Assemble the Base Layer
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish, creating a uniform layer.
Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Carefully remove from the oven and drain any excess grease if necessary.
Step 5: Add the Mashed Potatoes
Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the baked meatloaf layer. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bacon
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes. Top with crumbled bacon for added crunch and flavor.
Step 7: Final Bake
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden crust, broil on high for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Conservation and Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 minutes, covered with foil, until heated through. Add extra cheese on top for freshness. Avoid microwaving large portions, as it may cause uneven heating.
Variations
- BBQ Twist: Replace ketchup with barbecue sauce in the meatloaf mixture for smoky sweetness.
- Loaded Veggie Version: Add sautéed mushrooms, corn, or peas into the meatloaf layer for more texture and nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: Mix chopped jalapeños into the mashed potatoes or add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the meatloaf mixture.
- Turkey or Chicken Swap: Use ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version. Adjust cooking time slightly since leaner meats cook faster.
- Cheese Lovers: Swap cheddar for a mix of mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby cheese for more flavor variety.
Serving Suggestions
- Green Side Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for added balance.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls or garlic bread work perfectly to soak up every bite.
- Gravy Drizzle: Add a light beef or mushroom gravy over the top for extra indulgence.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Don’t overmix the meatloaf base. Gentle mixing keeps the texture tender.
- Mash potatoes while still hot for a smoother consistency.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar instead of pre-shredded for better melting.
- Always drain excess grease after baking the meatloaf layer to avoid sogginess.
- Let casserole rest a few minutes before cutting to keep layers intact.
Conclusion
The Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole is proof that classic comfort foods can be combined into something even more irresistible. With layers of juicy meatloaf, fluffy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and crisp bacon, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving in one bite. Its versatility makes it easy to adapt—whether you swap proteins, try different cheeses, or add extra veggies, this casserole always delivers big flavor. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, it’s the ultimate all-in-one comfort dish. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your recipe rotation.
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Tasty Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole: Comfort Food at Its Best
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole combines juicy meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and smoky bacon into one hearty dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or gatherings, it’s classic comfort food in a single pan.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Base:
2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
½ cup whole milk
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
For the Mashed Potato Layer:
3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup sour cream
½ cup whole milk (more if needed)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings:
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare potatoes: Boil cubed potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain, mash with butter, sour cream, and milk until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Mix meatloaf base: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until just combined.
Assemble base layer: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Press meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom.
Bake meatloaf: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 160°F/71°C). Drain excess grease if needed.
Add potatoes: Spread mashed potatoes evenly over meatloaf. Smooth with a spatula.
Top with cheese and bacon: Sprinkle cheddar evenly. Add crumbled bacon on top.
Final bake: Bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. For golden topping, broil 2–3 minutes.
Serve: Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
Don’t overmix meatloaf to keep it tender.
Mash potatoes while warm for the creamiest texture.
Drain grease after baking the meatloaf base to prevent sogginess.
Use freshly shredded cheddar for smoother melting.
Let casserole rest briefly before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked Casserole
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: loaded potato meatloaf casserole, meatloaf with mashed potatoes, cheesy potato meatloaf bake, beef casserole recipe
