Name: Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients: 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; 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; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (optional garnish)

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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)

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