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If you have a soft spot for comforting, hearty dishes that bring together the best of two classic favorites, you’re going to absolutely adore this Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe. Picture a luscious layer of savory meatloaf infused with just the right blend of spices and savory extras, topped with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon bits that add the perfect crunch. This casserole dish feels like a warm hug on a plate and is guaranteed to become a family favorite that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is straightforward, yet every item plays a crucial role in building those comforting layers of flavor and texture. From tender meat to creamy potatoes and crispy bacon, each component is essential to achieve that perfect balance.
- Lean ground beef or turkey (1 ½ pounds): The hearty base that brings richness and depth to the casserole.
- Chopped white onion (½ cup): Adds a sweet, savory bite that enhances the meat mixture.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): A fragrant punch that elevates the savory profile.
- Seasoned bread crumbs (1 cup): Helps bind the meatloaf and adds texture.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings an umami richness and subtle tang.
- Large egg (lightly beaten): The binder that holds everything together perfectly.
- Cottage cheese (â…“ cup): Adds a creamy tenderness to the meat mixture.
- BBQ sauce (½ cup): Lends a smoky, slightly sweet note that surprises and delights.
- Potatoes, peeled and diced (2 pounds): The fluffy topping that transforms this casserole into a loaded dream.
- Butter (½ cup): Infuses the mashed potatoes with silky richness.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Adds tang and velvety smoothness to the potatoes.
- Warm milk or half and half (½ cup): Ensures creaminess and perfect mash texture.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Balances flavors throughout the dish.
- Ground black pepper (1 teaspoon): A subtle peppery kick to awaken the palate.
- Thick bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (6 slices): The crispy, smoky crowning glory on top.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups): Melts into gooey perfection adding color and rich flavor.
How to Make Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures the perfect temperature for baking the meatloaf evenly. Grab a 9×13 inch pan, spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, and set it aside as your casserole’s cozy home.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef or turkey, chopped white onion, minced garlic, seasoned bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, lightly beaten egg, creamy cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly—this mix will be the flavorful foundation that holds your casserole together while infusing moisture and tang.
Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf Layer
Transfer your meatloaf mixture into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly to form the base layer. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. This gives enough time for the meat to cook through while keeping it juicy and tender.
Step 4: Cook and Mash the Potatoes
While your meatloaf is baking, place peeled and diced potatoes into a pot filled with water. Bring it to a medium boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender—this usually takes about 15 minutes. Drain the water, then toss in the butter for that luscious richness. Use a hand mixer to whip the potatoes smooth. Stir in the sour cream, warm milk, kosher salt, and ground black pepper to achieve a creamy, flavorful mash that will crown your casserole beautifully.
Step 5: Add Potato Topping and Final Bake
Once the meatloaf has finished baking, carefully remove it from the oven and drain off any excess grease. Spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese followed by the crispy crumbled bacon. Return the pan to the oven for an additional 15 minutes. This final bake melts the cheese to gooey perfection and heats everything through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is now ready to delight! Remove it from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then dish it out and watch the smiles form around your table.
How to Serve Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or green onions offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of vibrant green color. Alternatively, a dollop of sour cream on each serving lends an extra creamy finish that complements the rich layers superbly.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green vegetables like steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a fresh side salad. The lightness and crunch of greens balance the hearty, indulgent nature of the casserole beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve individual portions in mini ramekins, layering the meatloaf and potato mash neatly and topping it with cheese and bacon. Another fun idea is to swirl barbecue sauce artistically on the plate around each serving for visual appeal and extra flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It stays surprisingly moist and flavorful, making for an easy reheat and enjoy meal.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe airtight container. It will keep well for up to 2 months, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave until heated through or warm the entire casserole in an oven set to 350°F covered with foil to keep it moist, for about 20-25 minutes. Adding a little extra shredded cheese on top before reheating can revive that freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly in this recipe for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned to keep the meatloaf moist and tasty.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this casserole?
While this recipe is traditionally meat-based, you can substitute the meat with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute and adjust the seasonings accordingly for a delicious vegetarian take.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Yes! Diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be sautéed and mixed into the meatloaf for added flavor, color, and nutrition.
How spicy is this casserole?
This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is mild, making it family-friendly. You can add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture if you want a little heat.
What’s the best way to make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?
Using warm milk or half and half, plenty of butter, and sour cream gives the mashed potatoes a rich, creamy texture. Be sure to mash them thoroughly with a hand mixer for smoothness.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe has all the cozy, comforting vibes you could want on your dinner table. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company, blending classic flavors in a brilliant layered dish. Give it a try—once you make it, it’s sure to become your go-to comfort food gem that you’ll want to share with everyone you love.
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Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting, hearty one-dish meal combining savory meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners, it features a flavorful ground beef or turkey meatloaf base topped with rich mashed potatoes and cheesy bacon, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef or turkey
- ½ cup chopped white onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- â…“ cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Mashed Potatoes Topping
- 2 pounds potatoes (peeled and diced)
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup warm milk (or half and half)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Additional Toppings
- 6 slices thick bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside to prepare for the meatloaf.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, seasoned bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, lightly beaten egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce. Mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
- Form and Bake Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly across the surface. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes to set and begin cooking.
- Cook Potatoes: While the meatloaf bakes, place the peeled and diced potatoes into a saucepan and cover with water. Cook over medium heat until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes well, then add butter. Use a hand mixer to beat until smooth. Add sour cream, warm milk (or half and half), kosher salt, and ground black pepper, then mix again until creamy and fully combined.
- Remove Meatloaf and Drain Grease: After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully pour off any excess grease that has accumulated in the pan.
- Add Potato Layer and Toppings: Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf layer. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon evenly over the mashed potatoes.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the topping is heated through and the cheese has melted and slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and serve hot. Pair with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef or turkey helps reduce fat but keeps the meatloaf flavorful.
- Cooking the bacon ahead ensures it is crispy and easy to crumble on top.
- For extra cheesy flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese.
- You can substitute half and half for warm milk in the mashed potatoes for richer texture.
- Make sure to drain excess grease after baking the meatloaf to prevent a soggy casserole.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked when needed for convenience.
