Comforting Hearty Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering loaded potato and meatloaf casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of savory meat blend perfectly with creamy potato goodness.

Every bite delivers a symphony of rich flavors and textures that dance across your palate.

Crispy edges and tender centers create a delightful contrast in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Cheese melts into golden pools, while herbs add a subtle, aromatic touch.

Potatoes absorb the meaty juices, creating an irresistible combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal that warms both body and soul.

Smart Storage Tips for Casserole Leftovers

• Transfer leftover casserole into airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The meatloaf and potato layers stay delicious when properly chilled.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole in freezer-safe wrap or containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in a 350F oven covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese for renewed flavor and moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just ensure it’s fully cooked to the proper internal temperature for food safety.

• How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Add moisture with ingredients like milk, eggs, and Worcestershire sauce. Don’t overmix the meat mixture and avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.

• Is this dish freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

• Potatoes: Hearty base for creamy mashed topping, choose starchy varieties like Russet for best texture.
• Milk: Adds smoothness and richness to mashed potatoes, whole milk works best.
• Butter: Creates velvety consistency and enhances flavor, use unsalted for better control.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate potato taste and bring out natural flavors.

• Ground Beef: Core protein providing substantial and savory foundation, select 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juiciness.
• Onion: Adds depth and subtle sweetness, fresh white or yellow onions recommended.
• Garlic: Introduces aromatic intensity, fresh minced offers more robust flavor than pre-chopped.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and maintain moisture, plain or seasoned work well.
• Eggs: Natural binding agent ensuring meatloaf holds together perfectly.
• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, Mustard: Provide tangy complexity and enhance overall meat flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasoning blend for balanced taste.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creamy richness and sharp taste, sharp varieties recommended.
• Bacon: Introduces smoky crunch and extra protein, thick-cut varieties crisp best.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish offering bright color and mild onion accent.

Equipment for a Layered Dinner Dish

• Large mixing bowl: perfect for combining meatloaf ingredients thoroughly.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: essential for layering and baking the casserole.
• Pot: used for boiling and cooking potatoes.
• Potato masher or fork: helps create smooth, creamy mashed potatoes.
• Colander: drains potatoes after boiling.
• Cutting board: for chopping onions and green onions.
• Sharp knife: needed for precise ingredient preparation.
• Cheese grater: optional for shredding cheese if not pre-shredded.
• Measuring cups and spoons: ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Put Together a Potato Casserole

• Boil Potato Chunks

Toss potato pieces into a pot of salty water. Cook until super soft when poked with a fork, around 15 minutes. Drain water and mash potatoes with creamy milk, rich butter, and tasty seasonings until smooth and fluffy.

• Create Meaty Base

Mix ground beef with diced onions, crushed garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, and zesty condiments in a big bowl. Blend everything thoroughly until ingredients are perfectly combined. Spread this hearty mixture evenly into a greased baking dish.

• Initial Meat Cooking

Slide the baking dish into a hot oven warmed to 375°F. Let the meat layer cook for about 20-25 minutes, ensuring juices run clear and meat looks mostly done.

• Potato Layer

Gently spread the creamy mashed potatoes across the partially cooked meat foundation. Make sure the potato blanket covers everything smoothly and evenly.

• Cheese and Bacon Finale

Shower the potato surface with shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits generously on top for extra flavor and crunch.

• Final Baking Burst

Return the casserole to the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbly perfection.

• Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest briefly. Garnish with fresh green onion slices. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Topping Tips for Loaded Meatloaf Casseroles

• Prepare the meatloaf layer and mashed potatoes a day in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve. This saves time and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the casserole. The dish remains just as delicious and satisfying with less fat.
• Substitute the meat layer with a plant-based protein like lentils, black beans, or a meat alternative crumble. Add extra seasonings to boost flavor and maintain the hearty feel.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles. Mix two or three cheeses for a more complex taste experience.
• Replace potato layer with cauliflower mash or mashed turnips to reduce carbohydrate content. Season the alternative mash similarly to maintain the comforting taste of the original recipe.

Ideas for Serving This Comfort Food

• Comfort Companions: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich flavors and add some freshness to your meal.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve alongside steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables to create a complete dinner that provides additional nutrients and color to the plate.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Garnish with extra crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, or chopped chives just before serving to elevate the visual appeal and add extra layers of flavor.
• Weekend Warrior Meal: Perfect for family gatherings or game day celebrations, this casserole can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making it an ideal make-ahead comfort food option.

Hearty Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole combines classic comfort ingredients for a satisfying dinner. Cheese, bacon, and creamy potatoes complement savory meatloaf, creating a robust meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ pounds (680 g) ground beef
• 2 large eggs
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 3 cups (about 4 medium) potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 tbsps butter
• ½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
• ½ cup (60 ml) milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup (60 ml) ketchup
• 2 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Potato Preparation: Peel and cube potatoes, then boil in salted water until fork-tender, approximately 15 minutes. Drain and mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper, setting aside at room temperature.
2. Meat Mixture Creation: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper until well-blended and cohesive.
3. Initial Baking Stage: Transfer meat mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly. Roast in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-25 minutes until meat is nearly cooked and juices run clear.
4. Potato and Cheese Layer: Spread mashed potatoes uniformly over the partially cooked meat foundation. Generously top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
5. Final Baking and Serving: Return casserole to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and turns golden. Rest for several minutes, garnish with green onions, and serve hot.

Notes

• Potato Prep Perfection: Salt water generously and avoid overcooking potatoes to maintain ideal texture and prevent mushiness.
• Meat Mixture Mastery: Mix ingredients gently to prevent dense, tough meatloaf; overmixing can make the texture tough and compact.
• Cheese and Bacon Balance: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and crisp bacon for maximum flavor and textural contrast.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld; add 10-15 minutes to cooking time when baking directly from cold.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg