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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Potato and Cheese Layer: Spread mashed potatoes uniformly over the partially cooked meat foundation. Generously top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
- 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