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
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to a robust 400°F, ensuring the cooking environment is perfectly heated for the upcoming culinary creation.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate bread crumbs and egg into the meat mixture, thoroughly kneading with clean hands to ensure complete integration of ingredients.
- Transfer the seasoned meat mixture into an 8-inch square baking vessel, pressing uniformly to create a dense, even foundation.
- Carefully spread the prepared potato mixture across the meat layer, using a flexible spatula to create a smooth, consistent topping.
- Generously crown the potato layer with a lavish sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits, creating an enticing golden-brown surface.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, protecting the delicate layers during initial baking for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil covering, allowing the cheese to melt and develop a beautiful golden crust during the final 10 minutes of baking.
- 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