Looking for the ultimate comfort food that combines the heartiness of meatloaf with the creamy delight of loaded potatoes? This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is your answer. Packed with rich flavors and textures, it’s a dish that will satisfy any craving. Read on to discover how to make this indulgent casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

What is a Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole?
A Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is a delightful fusion of two classic dishes: meatloaf and loaded mashed potatoes. The base is a savory meatloaf made with ground beef or turkey, mixed with onions, garlic, bread crumbs, and seasonings. This is topped with creamy mashed potatoes blended with butter, sour cream, and cheese, then finished with crumbled bacon. The result is a layered dish that’s both filling and flavorful, making it a hit at any table.
Ingredients List for Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole
Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef or turkey
- ½ cup of finely chopped white onion
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 cup of seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ⅓ cup of cottage cheese
- ½ cup of BBQ sauce
Potato Layer:
- 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and diced
- ½ cup of unsalted butter
- ½ cup of sour cream
- ½ cup of warm milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
Toppings:
- 6 slices of thick bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese
Substitutions and Variations
This casserole is highly versatile. Here are some substitutions and variations to suit your preferences:
- Meat Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a meatless alternative for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese: Try using different cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
- Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter taste.
- Add-Ins: Mix in some vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn into the meatloaf mixture for added nutrition.
- Sauces: Swap BBQ sauce with ketchup, tomato sauce, or even a tangy mustard sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating this casserole involves several steps but is straightforward if you follow these detailed instructions:
How to Cook Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ pounds of ground beef or turkey, ½ cup of chopped white onion, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 cup of seasoned bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 lightly beaten egg, ⅓ cup of cottage cheese, and ½ cup of BBQ sauce.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Bake the Meatloaf:
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- While the meatloaf is baking, place 2 pounds of peeled and diced potatoes in a pot of water and cook over medium heat until tender.
- Once cooked, drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot.
- Add ½ cup of unsalted butter and use a hand mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth.
- Mix in ½ cup of sour cream, ½ cup of warm milk or half-and-half, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper until well combined.
- Combine Layers:
- After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven and carefully drain any excess grease.
- Spread an even layer of mashed potatoes over the meatloaf.
- Add Toppings:
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the mashed potatoes.
- Final Bake:
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Meat: Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense. Mix just until combined.
- Underseasoning: Ensure you season each layer adequately to avoid blandness.
- Not Draining Grease: Failing to drain excess grease from the meatloaf can make the casserole greasy.
- Lumpy Potatoes: Make sure to mash the potatoes thoroughly to achieve a smooth consistency.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole
- Portion Size: Serve in generous squares or rectangles for a hearty meal.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Side Dishes: Pair with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to complement the casserole.
Presentation Ideas for Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole
- Layered Look: Serve in clear glass baking dishes to showcase the distinct layers.
- Individual Portions: Prepare the casserole in smaller, individual ramekins for an elegant touch.
- Garnish Generously: Top with extra cheese, bacon, and herbs right before serving for an appealing finish.
Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Freezing: Freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes for convenience, but homemade mashed potatoes provide a richer taste and texture.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, use low-fat cheese and sour cream, and add vegetables to the meatloaf mixture for a healthier version.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect dish for those seeking comfort food with a twist. Its combination of savory meatloaf and creamy, cheesy potatoes will have everyone coming back for seconds. Try out this recipe for your next family dinner or gathering, and enjoy the hearty flavors and satisfaction it brings. Happy cooking!
PrintLoaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole, a hearty meal featuring seasoned ground beef or turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef or turkey
- ½ cup finely chopped white onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ⅓ cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- Potato Layer:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup warm milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Toppings:
- 6 slices thick bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix ground meat, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce. Press into a greased casserole dish.
- Bake meatloaf layer for 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook diced potatoes until tender. Mash with butter, sour cream, warm milk, salt, and pepper.
- Spread mashed potatoes over the meatloaf layer. Top with bacon and cheddar cheese.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add green onions or chives for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
Leave a Reply