If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hearty dish that blends the best of classic flavors, the Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Imagine a savory meatloaf base bursting with aromatic spices, topped generously with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon bits all baked to bubbly perfection. This casserole is a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies every craving with its perfect balance of textures and rich, layered flavors. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with family, friends, or save for those evenings when only comfort food will do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients is the secret to this recipe’s magic. Each plays a key role in bringing out the hearty, creamy, and cheesy elements that make this casserole so irresistible.
- Ground beef (1 1/2 pounds): This forms the flavorful, meaty foundation of the dish.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Helps to bind the meat mixture and keep it tender.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and softness to the meatloaf base.
- Egg (1): Acts as a natural binder to hold everything together.
- Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Gives the dish a savory, aromatic kick.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a tangy, umami boost to the meat.
- Salt & black pepper (1/2 teaspoon each): Essential seasonings to balance and enhance flavors.
- Mashed potatoes (4 cups): Creamy and seasoned, they create the indulgent topping.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy layer.
- Cooked bacon, crumbled (1/2 cup): Adds crunch and smoky richness.
- Chopped green onions (2 tablespoons): Freshens the casserole with a mild onion bite and color.
- Nonstick spray: For easy cleanup and ensuring the dish doesn’t stick.
How to Make Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Meatloaf Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently just until everything is combined—you want the mixture to stay tender and not overworked.
Step 2: Bake the Meatloaf Layer
Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a uniform meatloaf layer. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Once it’s done, carefully take it out and, if needed, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from feeling greasy.
Step 3: Add the Toppings and Finish Baking
Now for the fun part—the loaded topping! Spread your creamy, seasoned mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the potatoes, followed by the crumbled cooked bacon. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbling with golden spots.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the casserole with fresh chopped green onions to add a burst of color and fresh flavor. This final touch elevates the dish and makes it look as fantastic as it tastes.
How to Serve Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Top your casserole with extra green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or even a dash of hot sauce for those who like a little heat. These garnishes bring freshness or spice to balance the rich and hearty flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this loaded casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to lighten the plate and add some refreshing crunch. Roasted carrots, steamed broccoli, or even a simple cucumber salad make perfect companions without competing with the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch, or layer it in a trifle-style dish for a buffet approach. If you want to jazz it up visually, sprinkle extra cheddar and bacon on top and broil for a couple of minutes to get a crispy, golden crust just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying yourLoaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it an excellent choice for next-day meals with minimal effort.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Prepare and bake the meatloaf layer, then cover tightly and freeze before adding the mashed potatoes and toppings. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and add the potato and cheese layers fresh before baking. Or freeze the entire casserole after it’s fully assembled and baked, then reheat from frozen later.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave for a quick meal or in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes to restore that just-baked texture. Cover loosely with foil to keep the top from over-browning while warming through evenly.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works wonderfully in the Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe. Just be mindful that turkey can dry out a bit faster, so you might want to add a little extra moisture or shorter baking time.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian-friendly?
While the classic recipe calls for ground beef and bacon, you can swap in plant-based meat substitutes and use vegetarian bacon or smoked tempeh for that smoky flavor. The mashed potatoes and cheese make it hearty enough to stand on their own.
Can I prepare this dish entirely ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the point of adding mashed potatoes and toppings, then refrigerate it overnight. Add the potato layer and bake fresh the next day for optimal texture and taste.
What type of mashed potatoes works best for this casserole?
Homemade creamy mashed potatoes with butter and seasoning offer the best flavor and texture, but instant mashed potatoes are a convenient, time-saving option that won’t compromise taste much at all.
How can I make this casserole lower in calories?
Using ground turkey or lean ground beef, reducing the amount of cheese, and opting for low-fat milk in the mashed potatoes are great ways to lighten up the Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe without losing its comforting appeal.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is truly a delicious blend of comfort and convenience, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Its rich flavors, satisfying textures, and straightforward preparation make it a perennial favorite that everyone will ask for again and again. Don’t wait to give it a try—your family and friends will thank you for bringing this warm, tasty dish to the table.
