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
Scale
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.
