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