Delicious Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal, this Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect choice. Combining the savory flavors of classic meatloaf with creamy, cheesy loaded mashed potatoes, this dish is a family favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your household. It’s the ultimate fusion of two comfort food classics, making it a must-try recipe for any cozy dinner night.
A Family Favorite: How Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Became a Dinner Tradition
The first time I made this meatloaf and mashed potato casserole, I knew it was going to be a hit. My husband is a meatloaf lover, and I adore loaded mashed potatoes, so combining the two was a no-brainer. As the casserole baked in the oven, the delicious aroma filled our home, drawing everyone into the kitchen. When we finally sat down to eat, it was clear this dish was a winner. Now, it’s one of those recipes that I know will always bring smiles to the table. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole never fails to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole
- Two Comfort Foods in One: Enjoy the best of both worlds with this combination of meatloaf and loaded mashed potatoes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing guests at a dinner party.
- Easy to Make: This casserole is straightforward and simple, yet delivers big on flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time and bake when ready for an effortless meal.
Ingredients Notes For Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole
- Ground Beef: The base of the meatloaf; choose a lean variety for a healthier option.
- Mashed Potatoes: Use homemade or instant mashed potatoes for the topping. For extra flavor, mix in sour cream, butter, and cheese.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds a gooey, melty layer to the casserole.
- Bacon Bits: Optional, but they add a delightful crunch and smokiness.
- Onions & Garlic: Enhance the flavor of the meatloaf base.
- Ketchup or BBQ Sauce: A traditional topping for the meatloaf layer, adding a tangy sweetness.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Meatloaf: In a bowl, mix 1 pound of ground beef with 1/2 cup of chopped onions, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of ketchup or BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add the Mashed Potatoes: Spread 3 cups of prepared mashed potatoes over the meatloaf layer.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, top with bacon bits and sliced green onions before serving.
Storage Options
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Variations & Substitutions
- Turkey Meatloaf: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Loaded Sweet Potatoes: Swap out regular mashed potatoes for mashed sweet potatoes for a twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Use a meatless ground beef substitute to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Cheese Lovers: Add more cheese, like mozzarella or parmesan, to the potato layer for extra gooeyness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
A1: Yes, instant mashed potatoes work well, and you can mix in some sour cream and butter for extra creaminess.
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Q2: How do I keep the meatloaf layer from drying out?
A2: Ensure you don’t overbake the casserole. You can also cover the dish with foil during the first half of baking.
Q3: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q4: What can I serve with this casserole?
A4: A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make excellent sides to balance out the richness of the casserole.
Q5: Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
A5: Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats, and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Delicious Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- Meatloaf Layer
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme optional
- 1/2 cup ketchup optional, for topping
- Potato Layer
- 4 cups mashed potatoes from about 4-5 large potatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Toppings
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Layer: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix until well combined. Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If using, spread the ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer.
- Bake the Meatloaf Layer: Bake the meatloaf layer in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it is mostly cooked through.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the mashed potatoes. In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with sour cream, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions or chives, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Potatoes: Once the meatloaf layer is mostly cooked, carefully spread the mashed potato mixture over the top of the meatloaf layer.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes. Add the crumbled bacon and additional chopped green onions or chives on top.
- Bake Again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are slightly golden on top.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Yumm