Hearty Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food reaches new heights with this loaded potato meatloaf casserole that combines hearty flavors in one delicious dish.

Layers of seasoned ground beef mingle perfectly with creamy potato goodness.

Crispy bacon bits add a satisfying crunch to every single bite.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket of pure deliciousness across the top.

Robust seasonings bring depth and character to this classic meal.

Quick and simple preparation means you can enjoy this crowd-pleasing recipe without spending hours in the kitchen.

Dive into a meal that promises warmth, satisfaction, and pure culinary joy.

New Ideas For Loaded Casserole Flavor Combos

• Vegetarian Meatloaf Option: Replace ground meat with lentils, black beans, or plant-based meat substitute for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap cottage cheese and sour cream with coconut yogurt, use dairy-free cheese, and replace milk with almond milk for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower mash, using similar seasoning and preparation method to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Modification: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs, and ensure BBQ sauce is gluten-free certified.

How To Serve Loaded Meatloaf Casserole For Dinner

• Hearty Family Feast: Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this loaded potato and meatloaf casserole brings everyone together around the table with its comforting layers and rich flavors.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to your next gathering, where its impressive presentation and delicious combination of meat and potatoes will make you the star of the potluck.
• Game Day Delight: Serve alongside a crisp green salad and cold beer for the ultimate game day meal that will satisfy hungry sports fans and keep them coming back for seconds.
• Leftover Magic: Transform any remaining casserole into a next-day lunch by reheating individual portions and adding a fresh sprinkle of cheese on top for extra indulgence.

Storing Potato Casserole For Another Day Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp cheese.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add splash of milk to maintain moisture. Stop when thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of meats for variety and different flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before the final baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when baking from cold.

• How can I make this recipe lighter?

To reduce calories, use lean ground meat, low-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also use turkey bacon or reduce the bacon amount.

• Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before the final baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole That Satisfies All

• Comfort Food Champion: Combines two beloved dishes into one hearty, satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds with classic comfort flavors.
• Super Simple Preparation: Requires basic cooking skills and minimal kitchen equipment, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Family Dinner Winner: Packed with protein and potatoes, this casserole pleases picky eaters and provides a complete meal in a single dish that everyone will love.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crowd-Feeder: Easily serves multiple people, ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners with leftovers guaranteed.

Casserole Ingredient List For Hearty Family Meals

• Ground Meat: The primary protein base that forms the foundation of the meatloaf.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatloaf ingredients together and provides structure.
• Cottage Cheese: Adds moisture and extra protein to the meatloaf mixture.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide aromatic depth and savory flavor to the meat mixture.
• Worcestershire Sauce, BBQ Sauce: Add tangy and sweet flavor complexity to the meatloaf.
• Breadcrumbs: Help absorb moisture and create a tender meatloaf texture.

• Potatoes: The creamy base for the casserole topping that adds comfort and substance.
• Butter, Sour Cream, Milk: Create a rich and smooth mashed potato layer.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a melty, sharp topping that adds richness.
• Bacon: Offers a crispy, smoky element to complete the casserole.

How To Layer Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Craft the Meaty Base

• Ground meat
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Breadcrumbs
• Worcestershire sauce
• Egg
• Cottage cheese
• BBQ sauce

Mash and mix these ingredients until well blended, then spread the mixture evenly across the prepared baking pan.

Step 3: First Baking Round

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes until it starts to set and develop a rich color.

Step 4: Potato Preparation

While the meatloaf cooks, toss diced potatoes into a pot of boiling water.

Cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.

Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

Step 5: Create Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Introduce butter to the potatoes and mash until silky smooth.

Blend in sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper until you achieve a luxurious, creamy consistency.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully drain any excess grease.

Spread the dreamy mashed potatoes in an even layer across the top of the meatloaf.

Step 7: Add Delicious Toppings

Sprinkle a generous amount of cheddar cheese over the potatoes and scatter crumbled bacon across the surface.

Step 8: Final Baking Flourish

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld together before serving up this comfort food masterpiece.

Tips To Get Creamy Cheesy Potato Casserole Perfect

• Use a colander and give them a good shake to remove excess water, ensuring creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes without wateriness.
• Mix ground meat gently with hands to prevent toughening, keeping the texture tender and juicy for a delicious meatloaf base.
• Shred cheese fresh for better melting and more even coverage, creating a golden, appetizing top layer on the casserole.
• Cook bacon until extra crispy before crumbling, which enhances texture and provides a delightful crunch to the dish.
• Prepare the meatloaf and mashed potatoes separately a day ahead, then assemble and bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casseroles Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casseroles blend classic comfort with irresistible flavors that promise pure satisfaction. Crispy potato topping and melted cheese create a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef or turkey
• 6 slices thick bacon, cooked and crumbled

Potato and Cheese Ingredients:

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup warm milk or half-and-half

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend ground meat with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce until well incorporated.
3. Distribute the meat mixture uniformly across the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
4. Place the dish in the preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes until the meat begins to set.
5. During the meatloaf’s cooking time, submerge diced potatoes in boiling water and cook for approximately 15 minutes until fork-tender.
6. Drain the potatoes completely and return them to the pot, then mash with butter until smooth and creamy.
7. Incorporate sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper into the mashed potatoes, stirring until well blended.
8. Remove the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven and carefully drain any accumulated grease.
9. Spread the creamy mashed potatoes in an even layer across the surface of the meatloaf.
10. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the potato layer.
11. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.
12. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to help it set and make cutting easier.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef or a mix of beef and pork for better flavor and texture.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet for the fluffiest, creamiest mashed potato topping.
• Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Replace regular bacon with turkey bacon, use low-fat cheese, and incorporate Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce overall calorie content.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 512 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg