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