Description
This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole combines the hearty flavors of classic meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. It’s an all-in-one comfort food perfect for family dinners, delivering a satisfying blend of savory meat, rich cheese, and flavorful potatoes baked into a delicious casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup milk
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, egg, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated but do not overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Cook Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer until the potatoes are tender when pierced, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly. Add butter and 1/2 cup milk to the pot, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the meatloaf mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Layer the mashed potatoes over the meatloaf, smoothing the top evenly.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes, followed by the crumbled cooked bacon.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese over the top and continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving for a fresh, flavorful finish.
Notes
- You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day ahead and refrigerate to save time.
- For a richer mashed potato layer, substitute half and half or cream for milk.
- Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lower fat version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Feel free to add some steamed vegetables like peas or carrots in layers for extra nutrition.
