Tasty Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Ultimate Comfort Food

Few comfort foods bring people together like a hearty casserole. Now imagine combining two classics—creamy loaded mashed potatoes and savory meatloaf—into one irresistible dish. The Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole does just that. It layers juicy, seasoned ground beef meatloaf, fluffy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and crisp bacon into a single, crowd-pleasing meal.

This recipe is not only tasty but also practical. You can prepare it ahead, feed a large family, or serve it at gatherings without stress. Each bite delivers a mix of textures and flavors: savory meat, creamy potatoes, sharp cheese, and crunchy bacon. Best of all, it’s straightforward to prepare, even on a busy evening.

Ingredients

This recipe serves 6–8 people.

For the Meatloaf Base:

• 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian style)

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• ½ cup milk

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried parsley

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Mashed Potato Layer:

• 3 lbs (1.4 kg) russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup milk (warm)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

• 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Place peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and cook for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.

3. Drain well and return to the pot.

4. Mash with butter, sour cream, warm milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Base

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, milk, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, parsley, salt, and black pepper.

3. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.

4. Spread the meatloaf mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing lightly to form a flat base.

Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf Layer

1. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the meatloaf is mostly cooked through.

2. Remove from the oven but leave it on.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly over the baked meatloaf layer.

2. Sprinkle the top with 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese.

3. Scatter the crumbled bacon evenly over the cheese.

Step 5: Final Bake

1. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

2. For a golden top, broil on high for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely.

Step 6: Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.

2. Garnish with fresh chives.

3. Slice into squares and serve warm.

Conservation and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Wrap portions tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or microwave individual portions with a splash of milk to keep the potatoes creamy.

Variations

1. Protein Swaps: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter twist.

2. Cheese Choices: Use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack instead of cheddar for new flavor profiles.

3. Extra Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or carrots into the meatloaf mixture or layer them under the potatoes.

4. Low-Carb Option: Substitute mashed cauliflower for potatoes to reduce carbs.

5. Spicy Kick: Mix jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the potatoes or meat mixture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for balance.

• Serve with dinner rolls or garlic bread for a fuller meal.

• Add a drizzle of barbecue sauce or gravy for extra indulgence.

• For gatherings, present in individual ramekins for easy serving.

Conclusion

The Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole takes comfort food to a new level. With its savory beef base, creamy mashed potato topping, gooey melted cheese, and smoky bacon, this dish is a guaranteed family favorite. It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for potlucks or special occasions.

By following the clear steps, experimenting with variations, and storing it smartly, you can enjoy this casserole in multiple ways. Rich in flavor and texture, it’s a recipe that proves comfort food can be both simple and unforgettable.

Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

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• Author: Eleanor
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

A hearty, family-style casserole combining juicy seasoned meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon. This comfort food favorite is simple to make and perfect for both weeknights and gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatloaf Base:

• 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian style)

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• ½ cup milk

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried parsley

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

See also  My Go-To Chicken Breast Recipe: Flavorful, Juicy, and Easy to Master

For the Mashed Potato Layer:

• 3 lbs (1.4 kg) russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup warm milk

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (optional garnish)

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Instructions

• Prepare Potatoes: Boil cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, sour cream, warm milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese. Set aside.

• Make Meatloaf Base: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch dish. Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, milk, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper until combined. Spread evenly into the dish.

• Bake Meatloaf Layer: Bake for 25–30 minutes until mostly cooked through. Remove from oven.

• Assemble Casserole: Spread mashed potatoes over the meatloaf layer. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top.

• Final Bake: Return to oven for 15 minutes until cheese melts. Broil 2–3 minutes for a golden finish.

• Serve: Rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with chives, slice, and serve warm.

Notes

• Avoid overmixing the meatloaf to keep it tender.

• For creamier potatoes, add more milk or sour cream.

• Swap bacon for turkey bacon if preferred.

• Use mashed cauliflower for a low-carb version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square (⅙ of recipe)
• Calories: 630 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg

Keywords: loaded potato meatloaf casserole, meatloaf mashed potato casserole, cheesy meatloaf bake