Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

Ready for a comfort food experience like no other? Let me introduce you to the Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole—a hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dish that combines the best parts of a classic meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes, all in one easy casserole. Think tender meatloaf, smooth mashed potatoes, and gooey melted cheese—what’s not to love? This dish is the ultimate cozy meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s perfect for weeknights, but impressive enough to serve at a dinner gathering.

Why You’ll Love Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

• Comforting: There’s just something about meatloaf and mashed potatoes that makes you feel at home. Add some cheese, and you’ve got yourself the coziest dinner ever.
• All-In-One Meal: This casserole gives you all the flavors of a loaded baked potato but with the heartiness of a meatloaf. You don’t need to worry about side dishes; this casserole has it all in one dish.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this casserole is a breeze to put together. The hardest part is waiting for it to bake!
• Cheesy Goodness: Whether you’re a cheese lover or just enjoy the richness it brings, the melted cheese on top adds a layer of decadence that’s impossible to resist.
• Customizable: Want to change things up? Add your favorite toppings like crispy bacon, sour cream, or green onions for extra flavor. You can even switch up the type of cheese if you prefer something different.

Ingredients

This casserole is packed with flavor, and you won’t believe how easy it is to make. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef

The base of this casserole is classic meatloaf, and ground beef is the star. It’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor—just like your favorite meatloaf but with a twist!

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes take the place of traditional potato layers and add that comforting, smooth texture to the casserole. You can use pre-made mashed potatoes for convenience or make your own from scratch.

Shredded Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a must for that gooey, melty layer that ties everything together. The richness of the cheese complements both the meatloaf and the potatoes perfectly.

Onion

Chopped onion adds a savory kick to the meatloaf and gives it depth of flavor. It also brings a little sweetness once it’s cooked into the casserole.

Eggs

Eggs help bind the meatloaf mixture together, giving it the perfect texture as it cooks. They make the casserole come together without falling apart.

Bread Crumbs

Bread crumbs are used to help absorb the moisture from the meat and egg, keeping the meatloaf mixture light and tender. It’s an essential ingredient for that classic meatloaf texture.

Milk

Milk is used to keep the mashed potatoes creamy and smooth. It helps balance the richness of the cheese and meat.

Sour Cream

Sour cream adds a tangy, creamy richness to the mashed potatoes, making them extra indulgent.

Garlic Powder & Salt

A little garlic powder and salt elevate the flavors of the mashed potatoes and meatloaf, making each bite a savory delight.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive into this delicious casserole? Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate comfort food dish:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure everything cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden finish.

Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, bread crumbs, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overwork the mixture to keep it tender.

Layer the Casserole

In a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spread the meatloaf mixture evenly across the bottom. Use a spoon or your hands to press it down and make sure it’s evenly distributed.

Add the Mashed Potatoes

Next, spread a layer of mashed potatoes over the meatloaf mixture. Smooth the top with a spatula, and don’t worry if it’s a little rustic—it’ll bake beautifully.

Top with Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the mashed potatoes. The cheese will melt into the potatoes and meatloaf, creating a glorious cheesy layer that’s irresistible.

Bake the Casserole

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. If you want a golden, crispy top, place the casserole under the broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes (but keep a close eye on it!).

Serve and Enjoy

Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, and enjoy the combination of rich, savory, and cheesy flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 350 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
  Protein: 20g
  Cholesterol: 90mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

This casserole is a full meal on its own, but here are some great sides that would complement it perfectly:

• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect balance to this rich and hearty casserole. The crispness of the salad provides a nice contrast to the creamy potatoes and savory meatloaf.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a nutrient-packed side that’s still comforting.
• Garlic Bread: If you want to take the comfort food vibes up a notch, serve this casserole with a side of buttery garlic bread. It’s perfect for dipping into the cheesy goodness.
• Steamed Broccoli: For an easy and healthy side, serve this casserole with steamed broccoli. It’s a great way to get some greens on your plate while keeping the meal balanced.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge. Then, just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Switch the Meat: If you prefer turkey or chicken, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. The flavors will still be delicious!
• Add Bacon: For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle crispy bacon pieces on top of the casserole before baking. Bacon makes everything better!
• Vegetarian Option: Try using plant-based ground meat or lentils instead of beef for a vegetarian version of this casserole.
• Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?
A1: Yes, absolutely! Store-bought mashed potatoes work great if you’re short on time. Just make sure they’re creamy and seasoned to your liking.

Q2: Can I freeze this casserole?
A2: Yes, this casserole freezes wonderfully. Simply assemble it and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Q3: Can I make this casserole without cheese?
A3: While the cheese adds a lot of flavor and creaminess, you can skip it if you’d prefer. You could also try using a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
A4: Absolutely! You can mix in vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers into the meatloaf mixture for extra flavor and color.

Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
A5: To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Q6: Can I use a different type of meat for the meatloaf?
A6: Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork would work well in this casserole. You can customize it to suit your taste.

Q7: Can I make this in a smaller or larger pan?
A7: Yes, you can adjust the size of the casserole depending on what you have. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re using a different-sized pan.

Q8: Can I top the casserole with crispy onions?
A8: Yes, crispy fried onions would add a wonderful crunch on top of the casserole. Just sprinkle them on in the last few minutes of baking.

Q9: How can I make this spicier?
A9: Add some diced jalapeños, chili powder, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture to bring some heat to the dish.

Q10: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A10: Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

Conclusion

This Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining all your favorite flavors into one easy-to-make dish. With its cheesy topping, savory meatloaf, and creamy mashed potatoes, it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for dinner tonight or prepping ahead for a busy week, this casserole is guaranteed to become a go-to family favorite. Enjoy!

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