Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

 Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food

When it comes to hearty, satisfying comfort food, few dishes can compete with a Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole. This recipe takes classic homestyle meatloaf and elevates it with a creamy, cheesy mashed potato topping, complete with crispy bacon and fresh green onions. Every bite delivers rich, savory flavors, making this dish an instant family favorite.

If you love traditional meatloaf but crave something even more indulgent, this easy-to-make casserole is the perfect solution. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or potlucks, offering a one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor and texture.

Let’s dive into this irresistible loaded meatloaf casserole—you won’t believe how simple and delicious it is!

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Ingredients and Their Roles

For the Meatloaf Base:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef – The foundation of the dish, providing rich, savory flavor.

1/2 cup breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatloaf together, keeping it moist and tender.

1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall depth of flavor.

1 egg – Essential for binding the ingredients, ensuring a firm yet tender texture.

1/4 cup ketchup – Gives a slight tang and helps keep the meatloaf juicy.

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami depth and a hint of smokiness.

Salt and black pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the dish’s flavors.

For the Loaded Potato Topping:

4 large potatoes, peeled and diced – The base for creamy, buttery mashed potatoes.

1/2 cup milk – Helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.

2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and enhances the mashed potatoes’ flavor.

1/2 cup sour cream – Brings a slight tang and extra creaminess.

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded – Melts into the potatoes, creating a gooey, cheesy topping.

6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled – Adds a smoky, crispy contrast to the creamy potatoes.

1/4 cup green onions, chopped – Provides a fresh, slightly peppery bite for balance.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Base

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but do not overwork the meat.

3. Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, forming a solid layer.

4. Bake for 25 minutes, allowing the meatloaf to partially cook while you prepare the potatoes.

Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. While the meatloaf is baking, place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water.

2. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

4. Add the milk, butter, and sour cream, then mash until smooth and creamy.

5. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it melts into the potatoes.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Carefully remove the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven.

2. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf, creating a smooth layer.

3. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onions on top.

4. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Garnish with extra green onions or a dollop of sour cream for a finishing touch.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ One-Pan Wonder – No need to cook multiple dishes; this all-in-one meal saves time and cleanup.

✔ Ultimate Comfort Food – Creamy potatoes, savory meatloaf, and crispy bacon make every bite irresistible.

✔ Great for Leftovers – Stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully for next-day meals.

✔ Customizable – Swap ground beef for turkey, add garlic powder, or mix in different cheeses to suit your taste.

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Pro Tips for the Best Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

⭐ Don’t overmix the meatloaf – Overworking the ground beef can make it dense and tough. Mix just until combined.

⭐ Use warm milk for mashed potatoes – Cold milk can make the potatoes gluey. Warming it helps create a smooth consistency.

⭐ Make it ahead – Assemble the casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

⭐ Add a crispy topping – For extra texture, sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions over the cheese before baking.

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Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:

Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for a fresh contrast.

A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra cheesy goodness.

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Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Comfort Dish

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, ultra-satisfying dinner, this Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is the answer. It brings together all the best flavors of meatloaf and loaded mashed potatoes in one simple, irresistible dish.

With its creamy, cheesy potato layer, juicy meatloaf base, and crispy bacon topping, this casserole is pure comfort food perfection. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or bringing a dish 

to a potluck, this recipe guarantees empty plates and happy eaters.

Try this recipe tonight and experience the ultimate comfort food for yourself!