If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Combining the juicy richness of seasoned ground beef meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions, this dish redefines comfort food in the best way possible. It’s an irresistible one-dish dinner that layers flavors and textures beautifully, making every bite a celebration of savory goodness and soul-satisfying warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses simple, readily available ingredients that pack a punch both in taste and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender ground beef lending meaty flavor, to creamy mashed potatoes adding smooth richness, and the crispy bacon plus fresh green onions bringing a delightful contrast in texture.
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 80/20 lean: Provides juicy, flavorful meat base perfect for meatloaf richness.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf together while keeping it tender.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture to the meat mixture, ensuring it’s juicy, not dry.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder for all the meatloaf ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle but essential hint of savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the umami profile of the meat.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Elevates all flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick and aromatic warmth.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Mixed into the meatloaf for melty, cheesy goodness.
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared): Provides a rich, creamy layer that contrasts beautifully with the meat.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds tang and silkiness to the mashed potatoes.
- 1/4 cup milk (for mashed potatoes): Enhances the mashed potatoes’ creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon: Sprinkled on top for a wonderful smoky crunch.
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions: Adds fresh color and a mild onion bite to brighten the dish.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping): Melts over the potatoes creating a golden, bubbly crust.
- Cooking spray or butter: For greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking and help browning.
How to Make Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Meatloaf Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything thoroughly but gently, just until combined. Press this flavorful meat mixture evenly into the bottom of your baking dish, forming a solid layer that will be the base of your casserole. Bake this layer for 25 minutes — this initial baking helps set the meat so it can hold its shape beneath the creamy mashed potatoes.
Step 2: Mix Creamy Mashed Potatoes
While your meatloaf base is baking, whip up the mashed potatoes. In a separate bowl, combine the prepared mashed potatoes with sour cream and 1/4 cup milk. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The sour cream adds a tangy richness, while the milk adjusts the texture to ensure it spreads easily over the meatloaf after baking.
Step 3: Layer and Bake the Casserole
Once your meatloaf base has baked for 25 minutes, carefully remove it from the oven. Spread the creamy mashed potatoes mixture evenly over the top, covering the meat completely. Next, sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon, chopped green onions, and the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes. These toppings bring irresistible savory crunch and cheesy melt that elevate the entire dish. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, with a beautiful golden color.
Step 4: Rest Before Serving
Let your Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe cool slightly before digging in. This resting time helps everything firm up a bit, making for easier slicing and the perfect balance of warm, comforting textures in each portion.
How to Serve Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra punch of freshness and visual appeal, add a few more chopped green onions or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of your favorite barbecue sauce can also add a delightful boost to this already hearty casserole.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is quite filling on its own, pair it with simple, crisp side dishes like a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables. Roasted carrots or steamed green beans add a lovely fresh contrast that complements the richness of the meatloaf and potatoes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make this Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe a star for a dinner party or family gathering, consider serving it in individual ramekins or mini skillets for individual portions. You can also top each serving with a fried or poached egg for a breakfast twist that will have everyone talking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. The flavors meld even more, making leftovers a real treat for next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire casserole before baking or after it has cooled following baking. To freeze, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved, but oven reheating will maintain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that works well in this Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe. Just keep in mind it tends to be less fatty, so consider adding a little extra moisture like an additional splash of milk or a beaten egg to keep it juicy.
What kind of mashed potatoes work best?
You can use homemade mashed potatoes or even instant mashed potatoes for convenience. The key is to make them creamy and flavorful, mixing in sour cream and milk as the recipe suggests to keep that smooth texture.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and make sure any other packaged ingredients you use are gluten-free as well. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely. The Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is perfect for meal prepping because it stores well and reheats beautifully. Just portion it out after cooking, and you’ll have ready-to-eat meals for the week.
Can I add vegetables inside the meatloaf layer?
Yes, finely diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms can be mixed into the meat to sneak in some extra nutrition without changing the classic flavor too much.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a heartwarming and satisfying dinner that’s both easy to prepare and deeply comforting, this Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is bound to become a household favorite. It combines familiar flavors in a delightful way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Give it a try—you’ll love how it brings warmth and smiles to your dinner table every time.
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Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole combines a savory meatloaf base with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions for an irresistible comfort food. Easy to assemble and bake, it’s a hearty main course perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Base
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 80/20 lean
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Mashed Potato Topping
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
Toppings
- 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Make Meatloaf Base: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Evenly press this meat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the meatloaf layer.
- Bake Meatloaf Base: Place the dish in the oven and bake the meatloaf base for about 25 minutes, until it begins to firm and partially cooks through.
- Prepare Mashed Potato Mixture: While the meatloaf is baking, mix the prepared mashed potatoes with sour cream and 1/4 cup milk in a separate bowl until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Add Mashed Potatoes Layer: After the meatloaf base has baked for 25 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly over the meatloaf layer.
- Top with Bacon, Onions, and Cheese: Sprinkle the mashed potatoes with crumbled cooked bacon, chopped green onions, and the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy this comforting and hearty meal warm.
Notes
- You can use instant mashed potatoes or leftover mashed potatoes for convenience.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Feel free to add extra herbs like parsley or chives for additional flavor.
- Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
