If you love comforting, hearty meals that bring everyone to the table with a smile, this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine the juicy, flavorful meatloaf layer blending perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, topped off with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and a sprinkle of green onions for freshness. Every forkful is pure indulgence and warmth, making it an unbeatable choice for family dinners or gatherings. This recipe balances nostalgic flavors with simple, accessible ingredients, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe plays a key role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding texture, or providing that classic comfort food vibe. These staples come together to create a dish bursting with savory richness and irresistible appeal.
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef: The hearty foundation that holds everything together and delivers rich, meaty flavor.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat mixture, keeping your meatloaf moist yet firm.
- 1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold the meat mixture together.
- 1 small onion (finely chopped): Gives a subtle, sweet crunch and depth to the meat layer.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings an aromatic warmth that elevates every mouthful.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Infuses a tangy, umami-packed kick that enhances the meat’s natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that pairs beautifully with the savory profile.
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared and seasoned): Creamy, smooth and comforting, this layer balances the meat with softness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to golden, gooey perfection, delivering that classic cheesy goodness.
- 4 slices cooked bacon (chopped): Provides a smoky crunch that takes this casserole to the next level.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Freshness and color that brighten the entire dish.
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional): Adds a silky tang as a finishing touch, enhancing creaminess and flavor contrast.
How to Make Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Meatloaf Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing your baking dish. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your meatloaf tender. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your greased dish, forming a nice, even layer that will form the foundation of your casserole. Pop it in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until mostly cooked through and the juices are clear.
Step 2: Adding the Mashed Potato Layer
Once the meatloaf is nearly done, carefully drain any excess grease from the dish. Then, spread your fluffy and well-seasoned mashed potatoes evenly across the top of the meat layer. This adds a lovely creamy texture that contrasts all the savory richness beneath.
Step 3: Topping with Cheese and Bacon
Now sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes and scatter the chopped cooked bacon on top. This cheesy, smoky topping will melt and bubble into a crispy, irresistible crust. Return your casserole to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
Step 4: Final Touches
Pull your Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe out of the oven and finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh green onions and an optional dollop of sour cream for a bit of tang and extra creaminess. Allow it to cool just a bit for easier slicing and serving. Every layer comes together for a meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes enhances both the flavor and the appearance of your casserole. Freshly sliced green onions give a mild oniony zest and vibrant green color, while a spoonful of sour cream adds silky tanginess that cuts through the richness. If you want to get creative, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or fresh parsley can also delight the senses.
Side Dishes
This casserole is such a complete meal, but pairing it with crisp, fresh sides brightens the plate. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. Steamed broccoli or roasted carrots introduce a fresh, earthy element that complements the creamy potatoes and savory meatloaf perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, bake your casserole in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. You can also serve it alongside warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to scoop up every last bit. Layering it in clear glass baking dishes shows off the beautiful strata of potato, meatloaf, and cheese, making it an eye-catching centerpiece on any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is just as delightful the next day. Store uncovered leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, cool the casserole completely before refrigerating to keep layers intact and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole easily for a make-ahead meal. Wrap the cooled dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil to protect it from freezer burn. Frozen, it will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for an even reheat.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick fix, or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Covering with foil helps retain moisture, and if you like a crispier top, remove foil for the last 5 minutes of heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative, though it might be a bit less juicy. Just be sure to not overcook it, and consider adding a touch more seasoning for extra flavor.
Is it okay to use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes, using leftover mashed potatoes is a great shortcut and adds wonderful flavor. Make sure they are well seasoned and smooth so they spread nicely over the meat layer.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Mixing in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach into the meat mixture adds a fresh dimension and boosts nutrition without compromising the dish’s comfort food character.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. This swap keeps the recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining great texture.
What’s the best way to get crispy bacon for topping?
Cook the bacon separately in a skillet or the oven until crisp before chopping. This ensures it stays crunchy on top of the casserole rather than getting soggy during baking.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is a true celebration of comfort food, bringing together familiar favorites into one spectacular dish. It’s perfect for cozy nights, feeding a crowd, or whenever you want a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor all those layers of flavor—it really is a dish to keep in your regular rotation.
Print
Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty, comforting American dish combining a savory meatloaf base with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. Perfect for a family dinner, it blends classic flavors into one easy-to-make casserole baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Layer
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Potato Topping
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared and seasoned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar size baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid compacting the meat too much.
- Form meatloaf base: Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming a uniform layer.
- First bake: Bake the meatloaf layer for 20 to 25 minutes until mostly cooked through and juices run clear. Carefully drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Add potato topping: Spread the prepared and seasoned mashed potatoes evenly over the baked meatloaf layer.
- Top with cheese and bacon: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cooked bacon evenly over the mashed potatoes.
- Final bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, top with sliced green onions and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use leftover mashed potatoes or prepare fresh ones while the meatloaf bakes.
- Ground turkey or a beef-pork blend are great alternatives to ground beef.
- Optionally add sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
- To make gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
