Cozy Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Comfort

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this loaded potato and meatloaf casserole that promises to satisfy your deepest hunger pangs.

Crispy potato layers mingle with rich, seasoned ground beef in a delightful culinary embrace.

Melted cheese cascades between hearty ingredients, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

Creamy textures and savory notes dance across your palate with each delectable bite.

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

Packed with robust seasonings and familiar tastes, this dish feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

You won’t be able to resist diving fork-first into this irresistible comfort classic.

Serve Your Potato Meatloaf Casserole With Style

• Comfort Plate Companions: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich flavors and add freshness.
• Weekend Family Feast: Serve alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to create a complete, nutritious meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Brunch Brilliance: Top each serving with extra crispy bacon bits and a dollop of sour cream for an indulgent weekend breakfast or brunch option.
• Leftover Magic: Store individual portions in airtight containers for easy reheating, making quick and delicious next-day lunches or dinners.

Keep Meatloaf Casserole Fresh For Another Day

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring food safety and maintaining flavor integrity.
• Carefully wrap casserole in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label container with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, kids typically love this casserole because it combines classic comfort foods like meatloaf and mashed potatoes with cheesy and bacon flavors that are appealing to children.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe without significantly changing the overall taste and texture.

• How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), which ensures the ground beef is safely cooked through.

• What can I do if I don't have fresh green onions?

You can substitute dried chives or skip them entirely. The recipe will still taste delicious with the other ingredients providing plenty of flavor.

Discover Flavor In Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

• Comfort Food Champion: Combines two classic favorites – meatloaf and mashed potatoes – into one hearty, satisfying dish that hugs your taste buds with warmth.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Minimal prep work and easy-to-find ingredients make this recipe perfect for busy weeknight dinners that everyone will love and devour.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping cheeses, adding different herbs, or adjusting seasonings to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Reduces kitchen cleanup with a simple baking dish approach, saving time and energy while delivering maximum flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients Needed For A Hearty Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty meat that forms the base of the meatloaf layer.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatloaf ingredients together for a cohesive texture.

• Bread Crumbs: Adds structure and helps keep the meatloaf moist.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps blend the meatloaf ingredients.

• Onion, Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the meatloaf.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a rich, tangy complexity to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Seasons and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Potatoes: The creamy base for the top layer of the casserole.
• Butter, Milk: Creates a smooth and rich mashed potato texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty flavor to the potato topping.
• Sour Cream: Provides extra creaminess and tanginess.

• Green Onions, Bacon: Adds fresh and smoky flavor to the potato layer.

Steps To Your Best Potato Meatloaf Casserole Yet

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) to get ready for this delicious dinner adventure.

Step 2: Create the Meatloaf Base

• Ground beef
• Bread crumbs
• Milk
• Egg
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend all ingredients until they form a perfectly mixed mixture.

Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf Foundation

Press the meat mixture into a greased baking dish, creating an even, smooth layer that will serve as the delicious base of your casserole.

Step 4: Initial Meatloaf Baking

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the meat is completely cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare Creamy Potato Topping

Boil potatoes in a large pot until they’re tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.

Drain completely.

Step 6: Whip Up Luxurious Mashed Potatoes

• Milk
• Butter
• Cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Crispy bacon bits
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix until the potato topping is creamy and well-combined.

Step 7: Layer and Finish

Spread the decadent mashed potato mixture evenly over the cooked meatloaf layer.

Step 8: Final Baking

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden and slightly bubbly.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving, letting the flavors meld together perfectly.

Tips For Creamy Potato Meatloaf Perfection Every Time

• Choose ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter protein option that keeps the dish's hearty flavor.
• Assemble the casserole completely up to the final baking stage, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking for easy meal planning.
• Warm milk and butter before mixing into potatoes to create an extra smooth, creamy mashed potato topping without lumps.
• Add a splash of beef broth or red wine to the meatloaf mixture for enhanced richness and complexity in every bite.
• Sprinkle extra shredded cheese during the final baking minutes to create a golden, crispy cheese crust on the potato layer.

Creative Spins On Classic Meatloaf Casserole Dishes

• Vegetarian Meatloaf Swap: Replace ground beef with lentils, black beans, or plant-based meat alternatives for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of traditional bread crumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Low-Carb Potato Alternative: Substitute mashed cauliflower for potatoes to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture and flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Add oregano, rosemary, and thyme to the meatloaf mixture and top with feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this loaded potato and meatloaf casserole, blending hearty flavors with creamy potato goodness. Crispy edges, melted cheese, and savory meatloaf create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 small white onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) to ensure proper cooking temperature.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef with bread crumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings until well-integrated.
3. Transfer the meat mixture into a greased baking dish, carefully pressing and spreading to create an uniform base layer.
4. Roast the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, confirming complete cooking through.
5. While meatloaf bakes, submerge potatoes in boiling water, cooking until fork-tender for approximately 15-20 minutes.
6. Drain potatoes completely, then transform into creamy mashed potatoes by blending with milk and butter until silky smooth.
7. Fold cheddar cheese, sour cream, crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, and additional seasonings into the mashed potato mixture.
8. Carefully distribute the enriched potato layer atop the cooked meatloaf, creating an even, luxurious covering.
9. Return casserole to the oven, baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the surface turns golden and develops appetizing bubbling edges.
10. Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving, enabling flavors to settle and making portioning easier.

Notes

• Use ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20) to ensure the meatloaf stays juicy and tender during baking.
• Warm milk and butter before mashing helps create ultra-smooth, creamy mashed potatoes without lumps.
• Replace bread crumbs with almond flour and swap potatoes for cauliflower mash to make the dish keto-friendly.
• Assemble the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 273 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg