Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole

Imagine combining two of the most comforting dishes into one: meatloaf and loaded potatoes. The result? A loaded potato and meatloaf casserole that’s rich, savory, and satisfying. This dish brings together the hearty flavors of meatloaf with the creamy, cheesy goodness of loaded mashed potatoes, making it a perfect meal for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you need a comforting dish.

Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors in every bite. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and serve, making them a great choice for busy weeknights.

Preparing the Meatloaf

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

Preparing the Potatoes

1. Boil the Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk, and mash until smooth. Stir in half of the cheddar cheese.

Cooking the Meatloaf

Mixing the Meatloaf Ingredients

1. Combine Well: Ensure the meat mixture is well-combined but not overworked, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
2. Shape the Meatloaf: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Shaping and Baking the Meatloaf

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Making the Mashed Potatoes

Boiling and Mashing the Potatoes

1. Cook Until Tender: Ensure the potatoes are fully cooked and easy to mash.
2. Mash Thoroughly: Use a potato masher or electric mixer for smooth, creamy potatoes.

Adding Flavor to the Potatoes

1. Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling the Casserole

Layering the Meatloaf and Potatoes

1. Top the Meatloaf: After 30 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf.

Adding Cheese and Toppings

1. Final Touches: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and additional green onions on top.

Baking the Casserole

Optimal Baking Time and Temperature

1. Bake Again: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Checking for Doneness

1. Golden Brown: Ensure the top is golden brown and the meatloaf is cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

Ideal Sides for the Casserole

• Steamed Vegetables: Such as green beans or broccoli.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.

Garnishing Ideas

• Fresh Herbs: Chives or parsley for a fresh touch.
• Sour Cream: A dollop on top adds extra creaminess.

Healthier Alternatives

Leaner Meat Options

• Ground Turkey: A leaner alternative to ground beef.
• Ground Chicken: Another lighter option.

Lighter Potato Options

• Cauliflower Mash: Substitute half or all of the potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb option.

Tips and Tricks

Keeping the Meatloaf Moist

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meat can result in a tough meatloaf.
• Use Fatty Meat: A mix of ground beef with a higher fat content can help keep the meatloaf moist.

Achieving Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Warm Ingredients: Use warm milk and melted butter for smoother potatoes.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the potatoes gluey.

Variations

BBQ Meatloaf Version

• BBQ Sauce: Replace the ketchup with BBQ sauce for a tangy twist.
• Grilled Onions: Add grilled onions for extra flavor.

Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Add a pinch for a warm, sweet flavor.

Storing and Reheating

Best Practices for Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating without Drying Out

• Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make It Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf and mashed potatoes ahead of time. Assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

How Do I Prevent the Casserole from Becoming Dry?

Ensure the meatloaf mixture is not overcooked and the mashed potatoes are creamy. Cover the casserole with foil if needed to prevent drying out during baking.

Yield: 4

Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole

Print

Imagine combining two of the most comforting dishes into one: meatloaf and loaded potatoes. The result? A loaded potato and meatloaf casserole that’s rich, savory, and satisfying. This dish brings together the hearty flavors of meatloaf with the creamy, cheesy goodness of loaded mashed potatoes, making it a perfect meal for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you need a comforting dish.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef or turkey
• ½ cup of finely chopped white onion
• 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
• 1 cup of seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large egg lightly beaten
• ⅓ cup of cottage cheese
• ½ cup of BBQ sauce
• 2 pounds of potatoes peeled and diced
• ½ cup of unsalted butter
• ½ cup of sour cream
• ½ cup of warm milk or half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 6 slices of thick bacon cooked and crumbled
• 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to a temperature of 375°F. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by spraying it with a nonstick cooking spray.
• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, chopped white onion, minced garlic, seasoned bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, lightly beaten egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce.
• Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it is evenly spread. Bake in the preheated oven for a duration of 30 minutes.
• Concurrently, place the diced potatoes in a pan filled with water and cook over medium heat until they are tender.
• Once the potatoes are cooked, drain the water and incorporate the unsalted butter. Utilize a hand mixer to achieve a smooth consistency. Subsequently, add the sour cream, warm milk or half-and-half, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well-combined.
• After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven and carefully drain any excess grease.
• Apply an even layer of the mashed potatoes over the meatloaf. This should be followed by a generous sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
• Place the casserole back into the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes. The objective is to ensure that the potatoes are thoroughly heated and the cheese has completely melted.
• Once completed, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.