Hearty Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe For Cozy Nights

Comfort meets creativity in this hearty loaded potato & meatloaf casserole that promises to delight taste buds.

Layers of savory meat blend perfectly with creamy potato goodness.

Cheesy, crispy edges hint at the deliciousness waiting inside the dish.

Home cooks will appreciate how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

The recipe brings together classic flavors in a surprising new format.

Melted cheese, tender meat, and soft potatoes create a symphony of textures you’ll absolutely love.

Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing meal that turns ordinary dinner into an unforgettable experience.

Why Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Feels Comforting

• Transforms traditional meatloaf into a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that combines meat and potatoes in one delicious dish.
• Takes only about 45-50 minutes total, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without complicated preparation.
• Delivers classic comfort food flavors with moist meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon that appeals to all ages.
• Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and basic pantry staples to create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget.

What Goes Into Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein base with rich flavor, choose lean for less grease.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold meatloaf together, fresh is best.
• Bacon: Crispy topping that adds smoky flavor and crunchy texture.

• Potatoes: Creamy base for topping, russet or Yukon gold work well, preferably starchy varieties.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind meatloaf and adds light texture, plain or seasoned work fine.

• Onion: Adds depth and savory notes, yellow or white onions recommended.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic intensity, fresh minced is more flavorful.
• Milk: Adds moisture to both potatoes and meatloaf, whole milk gives richest results.
• Butter: Provides richness and smoothness to mashed potatoes.
• Ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness to meatloaf, classic American-style works best.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings umami and complexity to meat mixture.
• Mustard: Introduces sharp flavor and depth to meatloaf.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty topping with sharp flavor, sharp or medium varieties preferred.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavors.

• Green Onions: Fresh, light topping that adds color and mild onion flavor.

How to Make Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Boil Potato Cubes

Place potato cubes in salted water. Bring to rolling boil and cook until soft enough to pierce easily with a fork, around 15 minutes. Drain water completely.

Step 2: Create Creamy Potato Mash

• Milk
• Butter
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix until smooth and fluffy. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Hearty Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Eggs
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.

Step 4: Form Meat Base

Grease 9×13 inch baking dish. Press meat mixture into even layer across bottom of pan.

Step 5: Initial Meat Baking

Slide dish into preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until meat is mostly cooked and juices appear clear.

Step 6: Layer Potato Topping

Gently spread mashed potatoes over partially cooked meat layer. Smooth surface evenly.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Bacon Finish

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crumbled bacon pieces

Step 8: Final Baking

Return casserole to oven. Bake additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and turns golden.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Allow casserole to rest briefly. Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve piping hot and savor every delicious bite.

Helpful Tips for Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

• Customize Potato Texture: Adjust potato creaminess by varying milk and butter amounts for your preferred consistency, from light and fluffy to rich and dense.
• Meat Mixture Mastery: Avoid overmixing ground beef to prevent tough meatloaf; gently combine ingredients until just incorporated for tender results.
• Bacon Brilliance: Crisp bacon beforehand ensures maximum crunchiness and prevents soggy topping when baking the final casserole layer.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare casserole components separately and assemble just before baking to maintain optimal texture and flavor freshness.
• Dietary Swap Options: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for lighter protein versions that suit different nutritional needs.

Reheating Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Without Drying Out

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy potato texture.

Favorite Sides for Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

• Ultimate Pairings
• Toss a light, tangy green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the rich, hearty casserole and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Pour a medium-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that matches the robust meat and enhances the deep, savory flavors.
• Prepare a creamy, slightly sweet coleslaw that balances the casserole's richness and adds a crunchy texture to the meal.
• Serve roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots to introduce additional nutrients and a caramelized flavor profile.

Additions for Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

• Vegetarian Potato Loaf: Replace ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat substitute for a meat-free version that maintains protein content.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potato layer with mashed cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and create a lighter, keto-friendly casserole.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and replace bacon with sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Midwestern comfort meets pure culinary magic in this loaded potato & meatloaf casserole. Cheesy potato layers mingle with savory ground beef, creating a soul-warming dish that brings family together around the dinner table with pure satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) ground beef
• 2 large eggs
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Starch and Binding Ingredients:

• ½ cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
• 3 cups (about 4 medium) potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup (60 milliliters) milk

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 ½ cups (150 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Peel and cube potatoes, then submerge in generously salted water. Heat until boiling and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Drain potatoes and transform into creamy mashed potatoes by incorporating milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Set mixture aside at room temperature.
3. Combine ground beef with diced onions, crushed garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl. Blend ingredients thoroughly until cohesive.
4. Transfer meat mixture into a greased rectangular baking dish, pressing and distributing evenly across the surface.
5. Place meatloaf layer into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes until meat is nearly fully cooked and liquid runs transparent.
6. Gently spread prepared mashed potatoes across the partially cooked meat foundation, ensuring uniform coverage.
7. Lavishly scatter shredded cheddar cheese over potato layer, then sprinkle crumbled bacon across the top.
8. Return casserole to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and turns golden and effervescent.
9. Remove from oven and allow casserole to rest for several minutes. Garnish with finely sliced green onions before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Potato Perfection: Boil potatoes just until fork-tender to prevent them from becoming mushy and waterlogged, which can ruin the texture of your mashed potatoes.
• Lean Meat Option: Choose ground beef with a lower fat percentage (90/10) for a healthier version without sacrificing flavor, ensuring the meatloaf remains moist.
• Bacon Brilliance: Crisp the bacon separately before crumbling to add extra crunch and prevent soggy toppings, elevating the overall texture of the casserole.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the final baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 150mg