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
Scale
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.
