LOADED POTATO AND MEATLOAF CASSEROLE
This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines juicy meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, cheese, and crispy bacon. It's the perfect all-in-one meal for a satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup ketchup
Mashed Potato Layer:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes about 4 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions optional
Instructions
Step No.1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Step No.2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and ketchup. Stir until well combined.
Step No.3: Bake the Meatloaf Base
- Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the meat is mostly cooked through.
Step No.4: Make the Mashed Potatoes
- While the meatloaf bakes, mix mashed potatoes, butter, milk, salt, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy.
Step No.5: Layer the Potatoes Over Meatloaf
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf layer.
Step No.6: Add Cheese and Bacon
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top of the potatoes.
Step No.7: Bake Until Golden
- Return to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step No.8: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions (optional) and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Lean Meat Option: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Extra Flavor: Add Worcestershire sauce to the meatloaf mixture for a deeper taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare and assemble the casserole ahead of time, then bake when ready.
- BBQ Loaded Casserole: Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce in the meatloaf mixture.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mashed potatoes.
- Loaded Ranch Casserole: Mix ranch seasoning into the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
- Mushroom & Onion Casserole: Sauté mushrooms and onions and layer them between the meatloaf and potatoes.
- Tex-Mex Version: Add taco seasoning to the meat and top with pepper jack cheese.