Description
This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting American dish combining seasoned ground beef meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or cozy occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatloaf.
- Form Meatloaf Layer: Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
- Bake Meatloaf: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. After baking, carefully drain off any excess fat from the dish to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Add Toppings: Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf layer. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top of the mashed potatoes.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped chives or green onions before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use leftover mashed potatoes or store-bought mashed potatoes for a quick shortcut.
- Swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavor variations.
- Make sure not to overmix the meatloaf mixture to keep it tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
