If you’re craving a homemade comfort meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe. It combines the hearty goodness of classic meatloaf with creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon all baked to bubbly perfection. Each bite delivers layers of savory flavors and textures, making it an ideal dish to enjoy any night of the week or impress your loved ones with a fuss-free, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and balance of flavors. With just a handful of staple ingredients, each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color you’ll love.
- Ground beef: The meaty base that provides a juicy, protein-packed foundation for this casserole.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatloaf mixture while adding lightness and structure.
- Egg: Acts as a natural binder to keep everything together beautifully.
- Milk: Adds moisture to keep the meatloaf tender and soft in every bite.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: Offer a subtle depth of savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other ingredients.
- Worcestershire sauce: Provides a subtle tangy umami kick that brings complexity.
- Mashed potatoes: The creamy, buttery layer that crowns this casserole, balancing out the savory meat perfectly.
- Sour cream: Mixed into the potatoes for extra creaminess and a slight tang.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a golden, gooey topping packed with rich flavor.
- Bacon: Crispy, smoky bits sprinkled on top add irresistible crunch and saltiness.
- Green onions: Fresh, bright slices to finish and add a lovely pop of color.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps the casserole from sticking and ensures easy clean-up.
How to Make Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Bake the Meatloaf Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and giving your baking dish a light mist with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce just until everything is evenly incorporated. Press this savory meat mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish to form the meatloaf layer. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for 25 minutes, setting a solid, flavorful base for the next layers.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Mashed Potato Layer
While the meatloaf bakes, mix your mashed potatoes with sour cream to achieve a luscious, smooth consistency. This step makes sure that your potato topping will be exceptionally creamy and slightly tangy, perfectly balancing the richness of the meat. You can use leftover mashed potatoes or instant ones to save time; both work wonderfully here.
Step 3: Assemble and Finish Baking
Once the meatloaf layer has baked through, carefully spread the creamy mashed potato mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese, then scatter the crispy bacon bits to add delightful crunch and smoky flavor. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. This final bake layers the flavors and melts everything together into pure comfort food joy.
Step 4: Final Touches and Rest
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This short pause helps the layers settle and makes it easier to slice. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top to add freshness and a vibrant finish that’s as inviting visually as it is delicious.
How to Serve Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or chives elevates the dish by bringing a gentle crunch and pop of vivid color. For a little extra zing, consider a dash of smoked paprika or a few drops of hot sauce on each slice for those who like a hint of heat. These small touches make every serving feel special.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to be a main event, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies keeps the meal balanced and fresh. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple coleslaw offer great contrasts to the richness, delivering both texture and nutrition alongside this indulgent casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Alternatively, layering it in a clear casserole dish lets the beautiful layers of meat, potatoes, cheese, and bacon shine through visually, building anticipation for the first bite. A dollop of sour cream or a scattering of fresh parsley on each serving plate adds that final wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually have a chance to meld even more, making for tasty next-day meals. Just be sure to cool the casserole completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and safety.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully, perfect for meal prep or busy nights. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It’s best to freeze before baking or immediately after cooking for the freshest taste. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out, until heated through. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top if you want to revive that bubbly golden finish. A quick rest after reheating ensures the layers settle again and the dish is as satisfying as the first time.
FAQs
Can I make this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without sacrificing any flavor or texture.
Is it possible to use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a lighter alternative. The casserole will still be delicious, just keep an eye on moisture levels as turkey can sometimes be leaner and drier.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely, feel free to mix in finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the meatloaf mixture for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
What can I do to give this dish a spicy kick?
Try stirring some chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the mashed potatoes before spreading over the meatloaf layer. It adds a fun heat contrast to the creamy potatoes.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Make sure to not overbake the meatloaf layer initially and keep the mashed potato topping moist with sour cream. Covering the casserole with foil during baking can also help retain moisture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and special about a dish that brings together all the best parts of meatloaf and loaded mashed potatoes in one effortless casserole. This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a homemade hug every time. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it becomes a beloved staple in your dinner rotation, perfect for cozy family dinners, friendly gatherings, or whenever you need a hearty, satisfying meal packed with flavor and love.
Print
Loaded Potato & 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: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and hearty Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole combining juicy ground beef meatloaf baked with creamy sour cream mashed potatoes, topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, perfect as a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Base
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Mashed Potato Topping
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 or 11×7-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Form Meatloaf Base: Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer to serve as the meatloaf base.
- Initial Baking: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the meatloaf base to set and partially cook.
- Prepare Mashed Potato Mixture: While the meatloaf bakes, combine the prepared mashed potatoes with sour cream in a bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Potato Layer and Toppings: After the initial 25 minutes of baking, carefully spread the mashed potato mixture evenly over the cooked meatloaf base. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly on top.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can use leftover mashed potatoes or instant mashed potatoes to save preparation time.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
- Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mashed potatoes for a spicy twist.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Ensure bacon is cooked crispy to add texture contrast.
