Savory Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Comfort

Comfort food meets hearty satisfaction in this loaded potato and meatloaf casserole that promises pure culinary magic.

Layers of savory goodness blend perfectly with creamy potato textures.

Cheesy, rich flavors create an instant classic for dinner tables everywhere.

Crispy bacon bits and melted cheddar will make you swoon with delight.

Weeknight meals never looked this deliciously inviting before.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing dish without stress.

Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Essentials

• Satisfy Comfort Food Cravings: Dive into a hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of meatloaf and loaded mashed potatoes, creating a mouthwatering meal that hugs your taste buds with warmth and nostalgia.
• Simplify Dinner Preparation: Streamline your cooking process with this one-pan wonder that requires minimal prep work and delivers maximum flavor, making weeknight dinners a breeze for busy families.
• Customize to Your Taste: Easily swap ingredients like ground turkey for beef, adjust seasonings, or add extra toppings to make this recipe perfectly suited to your personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Impress both kids and adults with a delicious casserole that brings together beloved comfort food elements, guaranteeing clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.

Ingredients for Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef or Turkey: A protein-rich base that forms the foundation of the meatloaf.
• White Onion: Adds a subtle aromatic flavor to the meat mixture.
• Minced Garlic: Provides a robust and pungent flavor to the meatloaf.
• Seasoned Bread Crumbs: Helps bind the meat and adds texture to the mixture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the savory depth of the meat.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent for the meatloaf ingredients.
• Cottage Cheese: Adds moisture and creaminess to the meat mixture.
• BBQ Sauce: Introduces a sweet and tangy flavor to the meatloaf.

• Potatoes: Serve as a creamy and comforting layer over the meatloaf.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the mashed potatoes.
• Sour Cream: Provides tanginess and extra creaminess.
• Warm Milk or Half-and-Half: Helps achieve a smooth and creamy potato consistency.

• Kosher Salt, Ground Black Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Crumbled Bacon: Add richness, saltiness, and a crispy texture to the top of the casserole.

How to Make Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan

Heat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Meat Mixture

• Ground beef or turkey
• White onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Seasoned bread crumbs
• Worcestershire sauce
• Egg, lightly beaten
• Cottage cheese
• BBQ sauce

Blend ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.

Step 3: Spread and Initial Baking

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Boil diced potatoes in water over medium heat until tender. Drain water completely.

Step 5: Whip Potatoes to Perfection

• Sour cream
• Warm milk or half-and-half
• Kosher salt
• Ground black pepper

Blend until ingredients are completely combined.

Step 6: Remove and Drain Meatloaf

Take the meatloaf out of the oven and carefully drain any excess grease to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 7: Layer with Potato and Toppings

Spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crumbled bacon

Step 8: Final Baking

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Ensure the potatoes are heated through and the cheese melts completely.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the delightful combination of hearty meatloaf and creamy potatoes!

Tips for Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a leaner, healthier option that still delivers incredible flavor.
• Drain excess grease thoroughly after initial baking to prevent a soggy casserole and ensure a crisp, delicious texture.
• Warm milk or half-and-half creates ultra-creamy mashed potatoes that spread smoothly over the meatloaf base.
• Top with additional crispy bacon bits or green onions for extra crunch and fresh flavor just before serving.
• For gluten-free needs, replace seasoned bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the recipe's structural integrity.

Variations of Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

• Lean Protein Power: Replace ground beef with ground chicken or lean ground turkey for a lighter, lower-fat version of the casserole.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Swap meat for lentils, black beans, or plant-based ground meat alternatives, using vegetable broth and additional seasonings for robust flavor.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and replace BBQ sauce with tomato sauce, adding diced bell peppers and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes, replace bread crumbs with almond flour, and ensure all ingredients are low-carb and high-fat compatible.

Pairing Ideas for Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

• Pair the hearty meatloaf casserole with a crisp, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon. Its robust flavor and tannic structure cut through the richness of the meat and potatoes, creating a balanced and satisfying dining experience.
• Serve a fresh, vibrant green salad with a zesty vinaigrette on the side. The light, acidic notes will help cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, creamy casserole, adding a refreshing contrast to the dish.
• Enjoy a cold, locally crafted amber ale or brown ale. The malty, slightly sweet undertones of these beers harmonize beautifully with the savory meatloaf and creamy potatoes, enhancing the overall comfort food experience.

Storage Advice for Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container. Stays good for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check temperature to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. The recipe works well with various ground meats.

• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf and mashed potatoes separately, assemble the casserole, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time when baking from cold.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use store-brand ingredients, look for ground meat on sale, and consider using less expensive cheese options like a blend of cheddar and a more affordable cheese.

Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Midwestern comfort reigns supreme in this loaded potato and meatloaf casserole combining two classic dishes. Rich layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs lean ground beef or turkey
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices thick bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• 2 lbs potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 0.5 cup BBQ sauce
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
• 0.5 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 0.5 cup warm milk or half-and-half
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.5 cup finely chopped white onion
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground meat, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce until uniformly combined.
3. Spread the meat mixture evenly across the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth surface.
4. Roast the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the meat is partially cooked.
5. Meanwhile, boil diced potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, approximately 12-15 minutes.
6. Drain potatoes and mash with butter using a hand mixer until creamy and smooth.
7. Fold in sour cream, warm milk, salt, and pepper, ensuring a velvety potato consistency.
8. Remove meatloaf from oven and carefully drain accumulated grease.
9. Spread the mashed potato layer uniformly over the meatloaf, creating a thick, even coating.
10. Generously top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon pieces.
11. Return casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese melts and edges turn golden.
12. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to help set the layers.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option that reduces overall fat content.
• Add diced bell peppers or carrots to the meat mixture for extra nutrition and enhanced vegetable intake without compromising flavor.
• Create a gluten-free version by replacing seasoned bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium BBQ sauce and selecting reduced-fat cheese to make the dish more heart-friendly while maintaining delicious taste.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 538 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg