If you’re on the hunt for a comfort food classic that hits all the right notes—hearty, creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—this Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is everything your dinner dreams are made of. Imagine a layer of savory meatloaf nestled under a cloud of buttery mashed potatoes, crowned with golden cheddar, smoky bacon, and a pop of green onion for freshness. It’s a mashup of two favorites that brings all the homey, satisfying vibes to your table, and it’s just as easy to throw together as it is to devour. Get ready to turn an ordinary night into something extraordinary with this irresistible meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole brings its own special magic, creating an irresistibly layered dish with minimal fuss. Here’s what you’ll need before you get started, plus some handy tips to make every element shine.
- Ground beef: The star of the meatloaf layer, it brings juicy, savory depth—choose 80/20 for flavor and moisture.
- Bread crumbs: Act as the binder to keep your meatloaf tender and never dense; panko or regular both work great.
- Milk: Adds essential moisture, ensuring the meat layer stays soft and flavorful.
- Egg: The glue that holds everything together with a lovely, classic texture.
- Worcestershire sauce: Gives a touch of umami and complexity that makes the meat sing.
- Garlic powder: Adds a gentle aromatic boost with no need to chop.
- Onion powder: Infuses subtle sweetness without making the dish overly oniony.
- Salt: Brings out all the natural flavors—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: A little bit delivers gentle heat and depth.
- Mashed potatoes (prepared): Silky and dreamy, these form the ultimate casserole topping—use homemade or store-bought in a pinch.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, savory blanket that ties everything together.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon: You’ll love the savory crunch and smoky goodness this adds.
- Green onions (sliced): Brings brightness and a pop of color to finish your casserole in style.
- Sour cream (optional): A dollop on top adds tang and creaminess—especially lovely with all those rich layers.
How to Make Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Before you do anything else, preheat your oven to 375°F and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a quick, light greasing. This simple step prevents any sticking and makes serving a breeze—nothing should come between you and those perfect casserole slices.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The key here is to mix everything gently—just until combined. Overmixing can make your meatloaf tough, and we want a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth casserole foundation.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf Layer
Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish, forming a flat, uniform layer. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through. When it’s done, carefully drain any excess grease to keep the casserole rich-but-not-greasy.
Step 4: Add the Loaded Potato Layer
Gently spread your prepared mashed potatoes on top of the cooked meatloaf. Take your time to smooth the potatoes in a thick, even cloud, making sure every corner is covered for ultimate satisfaction in every bite.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bacon
Now comes the fun part: scatter that generous cup of shredded cheddar cheese and all the crispy crumbled bacon over the top. Pop the casserole back in the oven for another 10–15 minutes. When the cheese is melted, bubbly, and oh-so-irresistible, you’re nearly there.
Step 6: Finishing Touches and Serving
Let your Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole rest for about five minutes once out of the oven—this helps everything set up perfectly. Sprinkle on those fresh green onions, and add a dollop of sour cream if you’re feeling extra decadent. Slice and serve while it’s still warm and inviting!
How to Serve Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole
Garnishes
A smattering of fresh green onions on top of the Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole gives a crisp, zesty finish that contrasts beautifully with all the rich flavors. A spoonful of cool sour cream adds tang and creaminess, while extra bacon or a sprinkle of chives wouldn’t go amiss if you want to turn things up a notch.
Side Dishes
This casserole is delightfully hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some simple steamed broccoli to balance out the richness. Lightly buttered peas, sweet corn, or roasted carrots are also wonderful companions, adding color and freshness to your dinner table.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or just want to make a family night extra special, try scooping the Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole into ramekins for individual servings. For a rustic twist, assemble and bake it in a cast iron skillet. You can also layer it up parfait-style in clear glasses for a fun and whimsical presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole keeps well in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it cool to room temperature before storing to prevent unwanted condensation, and consider cutting the casserole into squares for easy grab-and-reheat meals.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly! After assembling (but before baking with cheese and bacon on top), wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding the cheese and bacon right before the final bake.
Reheating
Reheat single servings in the microwave for a quick lunch, or pop the whole dish back in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through. You can uncover for the last few minutes to re-crisp the cheesy top, making it taste as delicious as day one.
FAQs
Can I make Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything up to the point of sprinkling cheese and bacon, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to your cooking time if the casserole is chilled.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes! Instant mashed potatoes are a fantastic time-saver and work beautifully as the topping for Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole. Just prepare them according to package instructions for 4 cups’ worth, and proceed as usual.
What kind of ground meat can I use?
Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based substitute. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture, so choose what your family enjoys most.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs—everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free. It’s an easy swap that won’t impact flavor or texture at all.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy?
Be sure to use lean ground beef if you’re worried about excess grease, and don’t skip the step where you drain the meatloaf layer after baking. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying, not oily.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new comfort food staple, this Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It’s cozy, crave-worthy, and so simple to make—a meal that brings everyone to the table with big smiles and eager forks. Give it a try and get ready to watch it disappear!
Print
Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the flavors of classic meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Potato Layer:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Optional: sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Layer: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Press the mixture into the baking dish to form a flat layer. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread mashed potatoes over the cooked meat layer. Top with cheddar cheese and bacon. Bake for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Finish and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then top with green onions and sour cream. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use leftover or instant mashed potatoes for convenience.
- Swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
