If you’re craving a dish that perfectly blends comfort food vibes with a hearty, flavorful punch, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe. It’s that warm, cozy meal that brings together creamy mashed potatoes, savory meatloaf goodness, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar cheese all baked into one irresistible casserole. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special weekend treat, this recipe checks all the boxes for satisfying tastes and textures that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, classic ingredients is half the fun with this recipe. Each component plays a starring role—from the juicy ground beef creating the savory foundation to the creamy potatoes adding that perfect velvety texture, all topped off with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese for a burst of flavor and color.
- 1 lb ground beef: This is the hearty base of the meatloaf layer, providing rich, savory flavor.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf together while keeping it tender.
- 1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture to the meatloaf mixture, keeping it perfectly juicy.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Infuses a tangy sweetness that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Elevates the meatloaf with a deep umami kick.
- 1 egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold everything together in the meatloaf.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Brings a touch of fresh herbiness to brighten the mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed: The star for creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For richness and smoothness in the mashed potatoes.
- 1/2 cup milk (for the mashed potatoes): Ensures the potatoes are silky and creamy.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Half melts into the potatoes and meatloaf; the rest adds a golden, bubbly topping.
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled: Brings smoky crunch and irresistible flavor.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, crisp finish and a pop of color.
How to Make Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
Start by mixing the ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Combining all these ingredients ensures your meatloaf is flavorful, moist, and tender in every bite.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Place the peeled and cubed russet potatoes in a pot of boiling salted water. Cook until fork-tender, usually around 15 minutes. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked potatoes make all the difference for creamy mashed potatoes.
Step 3: Make the Mashed Potatoes
Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and velvety. Adding some cheddar cheese at this stage gives the mash a wonderful sharpness and creaminess that will make the casserole extra indulgent.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
In a greased baking dish, spread the meatloaf mixture evenly across the bottom. Layer the cheesy mashed potatoes over the meatloaf, smoothing them out to cover completely. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top. This layering creates a beautiful combination of textures and flavors in every serving.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Pop your casserole into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown. This baking melds all those flavors together while adding a satisfying crust on top.
How to Serve Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your casserole with fresh chopped green onions adds a lovely burst of color and a mild, oniony bite that brightens every forkful. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flair.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal veggies like green beans or broccoli can add freshness and balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions. Alternatively, layer it with sliced tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms between the meatloaf and potato layers to boost flavor and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking or after it’s cooked. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When wrapped properly, it should maintain the best flavor for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and bubbly. This keeps the textures intact and revives that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lighter option and works well in this casserole. Just be sure to keep the seasonings rich to compensate for turkey’s milder flavor.
What’s the best cheese to use besides cheddar?
While cheddar gives that classic sharpness, you can also experiment with gouda, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for different textures and tastes.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the meatloaf layer for a hearty mix of lentils or plant-based meat crumbles, season well, and follow the same layering method for a delicious vegetarian version.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats and verify that other ingredients you use don’t contain gluten.
How spicy is this casserole?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the meatloaf mixture if you want a little heat.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s straightforward to make and packed with comforting flavors. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again whenever you need a delicious hug on a plate. So go ahead and whip it up—your taste buds are in for a wonderful treat!
Print
Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines flavorful ground beef meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. Perfect for a family dinner, it features layers of seasoned meat, fluffy potatoes, and savory toppings for a satisfying meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
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 the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, egg, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated but do not overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed russet potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are very tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot or a large bowl. Add the butter and 1/2 cup milk, mashing until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the meatloaf mixture evenly on the bottom. Layer the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the potatoes.
- Add Bacon and Cheese: Scatter the crumbled cooked bacon over the cheese layer, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the casserole is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a few hours ahead and refrigerate before assembling.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the meatloaf mixture.
- If preferred, use turkey or chicken ground meat as a lighter alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
