Hearty Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort meets innovation in this loaded potato meatloaf casserole that redefines classic dinner magic.

Creamy potatoes and savory ground beef dance together in one spectacular dish.

Crispy cheese edges promise a delightful crunch with every forkful.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Each slice promises rich, satisfying flavors that’ll make you forget traditional meatloaf forever.

Layers of melted cheese, tender meat, and buttery potatoes combine into pure culinary bliss.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this ultimate comfort food masterpiece.

Meatloaf Casserole Loaded With Potatoes and Comfort

• Savor Quick Comfort: This loaded potato meatloaf casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Stress-Free Cooking: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated techniques.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the classic combination of hearty meatloaf topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon bits.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking and cleanup with this all-in-one casserole that transforms traditional meatloaf into a complete, satisfying meal requiring just a single baking dish.

Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Ingredients Inside

• Ground Beef: Rich base for the meatloaf, provides hearty flavor and protein.
• Egg: Helps bind the meat mixture together and adds moisture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep, tangy flavor to the meat.
• Diced Onions: Provides subtle sweetness and texture to the meat mixture.

• Bread Crumbs: Helps hold the meat mixture together and adds lightness.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the meat.

• Instant Mashed Potato Powder: Creates a creamy potato layer for the casserole.
• Milk: Helps create smooth and rich mashed potatoes.
• Water: Helps hydrate the potato mixture.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, melty cheese flavor on top.
• Bacon Bits: Provides a crispy, smoky element to the casserole.

Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Prep

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Set the oven temperature to 400°F and allow it to fully heat up while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Create Mashed Potato Base

Combine water and milk in a medium saucepan, bringing them to a boil.

Remove from heat and stir in instant mashed potato powder.

Let the mixture cool down to room temperature.

Step 3: Mix Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Diced onions
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce

Use your hands to blend all ingredients thoroughly and evenly.

Step 4: Bind Meat Mixture

Add bread crumbs and egg to the meat mixture.

Gently mix with your hands until everything is completely incorporated and holds together.

Step 5: Layer Meat in Baking Dish

Transfer the meat mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish.

Press down and spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Step 6: Add Potato Topping

Spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the meat layer using a rubber spatula.

Ensure a smooth, even coverage.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Bacon Garnish

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Bacon bits

Step 8: Initial Baking Phase

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 9: Final Baking Phase

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a golden top.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven.

Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve while warm.

Casserole Tips for Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Layers

• Mix ground beef with ground pork or turkey for enhanced flavor and leaner protein options.
• Add extra moisture by incorporating grated zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms into the meat mixture.
• Experiment with different cheese types like smoked gouda, pepper jack, or sharp white cheddar for unique taste profiles.
• Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking for convenient meal planning.
• Broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking to create a golden, crispy potato and cheese layer.

Store Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, where they'll maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Warm refrigerated casserole at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Heat individual servings on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Complements

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Choose a bold cabernet sauvignon or zinfandel to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole, cutting through the richness with its robust tannic structure.
• Create Crisp Salad Side: Whip up a tangy green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the meatloaf and provide fresh, zesty contrast.
• Serve Refreshing Beverage: Opt for a cold beer like amber ale or porter, which will enhance the savory bacon and cheese notes while offering a smooth, refreshing counterpoint to the dense casserole.
• Add Bright Vegetable Accompaniment: Roast some green beans with garlic and lemon zest to introduce a light, vibrant element that cuts through the rich, meaty dish and adds nutritional variety.

Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Edits

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace bread crumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to ensure complete dietary accommodation.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like lentil protein or Beyond Meat crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of milk for moisture.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace mashed potato layer with cauliflower mash. Reduce brown sugar and use less starchy vegetables for a keto-friendly version.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add quinoa or extra lean ground turkey to boost protein content. Include Greek yogurt in the potato layer for additional protein and creaminess.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned and not too dry by adding a bit more Worcestershire sauce or an extra egg.

• How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming too greasy?

Drain excess fat after cooking or use leaner ground beef with a lower fat percentage. You can also place the meatloaf on a wire rack inside the baking dish to let fat drip away.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the bread crumbs make it non-gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time when baking directly from the refrigerator.

Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this loaded potato meatloaf casserole, melding hearty ground beef with creamy mashed potatoes and crispy bacon. Cheese and green onions elevate this classic dish, promising a satisfying meal that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef (extra lean)
• 1 1/2 cups (340 g) cheddar cheese blend, shredded
• 1 cup (120 g) seasoned Italian bread crumbs

Potato and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 (4 ounces/113 g) package garlic-flavored instant mashed potatoes
• 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) water
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 egg

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup real bacon bits

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to a robust 400°F, ensuring the cooking environment is perfectly heated for the upcoming culinary creation.
2. Combine water and milk in a saucepan, bringing the liquid to a vigorous boil, then carefully integrate the instant potato powder, stirring until smooth. Allow the mixture to rest and cool slightly.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently blend ground beef with finely chopped onions, introducing brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce for a depth of rich, savory flavors.
4. Incorporate bread crumbs and egg into the meat mixture, thoroughly kneading with clean hands to ensure complete integration of ingredients.
5. Transfer the seasoned meat mixture into an 8-inch square baking vessel, pressing uniformly to create a dense, even foundation.
6. Carefully spread the prepared potato mixture across the meat layer, using a flexible spatula to create a smooth, consistent topping.
7. Generously crown the potato layer with a lavish sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits, creating an enticing golden-brown surface.
8. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, protecting the delicate layers during initial baking for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil covering, allowing the cheese to melt and develop a beautiful golden crust during the final 10 minutes of baking.
10. Extract from the oven and permit the casserole to settle for several minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ensuring clean, precise slicing when serving.

Notes

• Customize meat choice by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or lean chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Enhance flavor profile by adding minced garlic or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary into the meat mixture for extra depth.
• Reduce sodium and fat content by using low-fat cheese and turkey bacon as alternative toppings.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which allows flavors to meld together beautifully.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg