The Ultimate Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Comfort food takes a delightful turn with this hearty loaded potato and meatloaf casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of savory ground beef blend seamlessly with creamy potatoes and melted cheese.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of rich flavors and textures.

The recipe combines classic ingredients in a way that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into something special.

Crispy bacon bits and green onions add a delicious crunch and freshness to this comforting dish.

Cheese lovers will rejoice at the gooey, melted topping that blankets the entire casserole.

Meatloaf and Potato Casserole Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Meatloaf Swap: Replace ground beef with lentils, black beans, or plant-based meat alternatives for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure BBQ sauce is gluten-free to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Topping: Substitute mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining a creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired casserole.

Presenting Loaded Potato Casserole at Your Table

• Comfort Food Family Feast: Perfect for Sunday dinners when everyone gathers around the table, sharing stories and enjoying hearty comfort food together.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to neighborhood gatherings or potlucks where people appreciate home-style cooking that feels like a warm hug.
• Game Day Delight: Serve alongside cold beer and casual sides like coleslaw or green salad for a satisfying meal during sports watching parties or casual get-togethers.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Solver: Top with extra cheese or let children help sprinkle bacon bits to make mealtime fun and encourage them to enjoy a protein-packed dinner.

Storage Tips for Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a date label on the container to track freshness.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner alternative. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned and maintain the same moisture level.

• How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Mix in cottage cheese and BBQ sauce, which help keep the meat moist and add extra flavor. Don’t overmix the meat mixture and avoid overcooking.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Replace bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Check that Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat.

Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole – The Ultimate Mashup

• Comfort Food Champion: This recipe transforms classic meatloaf and mashed potatoes into a single, heartwarming dish that hugs your taste buds with rich, familiar flavors.
• Quick and Satisfying Meal: Combines protein and side dish in one pan, reducing cooking time and cleanup while delivering a complete, delicious dinner for busy families.
• Crowd-Pleasing Customization: Easily adaptable with different sauces, cheese varieties, or bacon alternatives, making it perfect for picky eaters and flexible meal planning.
• Weeknight Dinner Hero: Requires minimal prep work and basic ingredients, allowing home cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or expensive components.

Ingredients List for Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef: The primary protein that forms the core of the meatloaf with rich flavor and hearty texture.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and savory notes to the meat mixture.

• Bread Crumbs: Helps to hold the meatloaf together and provides a light texture.
• Egg: Acts as a natural binder to keep the meatloaf compact and moist.
• Cottage Cheese: Adds creaminess and helps maintain the meat's moisture.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a tangy and complex flavor to the meat mixture.
• BBQ Sauce: Brings a sweet and smoky taste to the meatloaf.

• Potatoes: Creamy base for the casserole's top layer with a comforting texture.
• Butter, Sour Cream, Milk: Create a rich and smooth mashed potato layer.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the potato's flavor.

• Bacon, Cheddar Cheese: Add a crispy and cheesy topping that brings extra flavor and texture to the dish.

How to Assemble Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a baking dish.

Give the dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create the Meaty Mixture

• Ground beef
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Bread crumbs
• Worcestershire sauce
• Egg
• Cottage cheese
• BBQ sauce

Dive in with your hands and mix everything until it’s perfectly combined.

Step 3: Shape and Initial Bake

Press the meat mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Send it into the preheated oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes until it starts to set.

Step 4: Potato Magic

While the meatloaf begins its cooking journey, boil your potatoes until they’re fork-tender.

• Butter
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whip until smooth and fluffy.

Step 5: Layer and Top

Spread the mashed potatoes over the partially baked meatloaf.

Sprinkle crumbled bacon and shower with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Final Bake

Return the casserole to the oven for another 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve your incredible comfort food masterpiece.

Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Loaded Potato Layers

• Combine meat mixture and mashed potatoes in advance, refrigerating separately to save time during busy weeknights.
• Add cottage cheese to the meat mixture for extra tenderness and juiciness, preventing dry meatloaf.
• Crisp bacon beforehand for maximum crunch and flavor distribution across the casserole's surface.
• Replace cheddar with smoked gouda or pepper jack for a flavor twist that elevates the entire dish.
• Substitute bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole blends comfort classics into one satisfying meal packed with savory flavors. Creamy mashed potatoes and seasoned ground beef create a delicious dinner perfect for family gatherings or cozy weekend meals you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef or turkey

Binding and Seasoning:

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Dairy and Topping:

• 1/3 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup warm milk or half-and-half
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

Potato and Sauce:

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 6 slices thick bacon, cooked and crumbled

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F and prepare a greased baking dish for the meatloaf mixture.
2. Thoroughly blend ground beef with onion, garlic, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce in a large mixing bowl.
3. Compact the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring uniform thickness.
4. Roast the meatloaf for 20-25 minutes until it begins to set and release initial juices.
5. Simultaneously, boil potatoes until fork-tender, then drain completely.
6. Mash the cooked potatoes with butter, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
7. Remove the partially baked meatloaf from the oven and carefully spread the mashed potato layer across the top.
8. Generously sprinkle crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over the potato layer.
9. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing and serving to help it set and enhance flavor development.

Notes

• Enhance meatloaf’s moisture by using a blend of ground meats like beef and pork for richer flavor and softer texture.
• Customize the BBQ sauce with homemade or low-sugar varieties to control sweetness and reduce calories.
• For gluten-free option, swap bread crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain binding consistency.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cheese and BBQ sauce, perfect for heart-conscious individuals.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 580 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg