Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole (1 Hr, 5 Mins)

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Loaded potato and meatloaf casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines two classic favorites: savory meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes.

In this delicious casserole, a layer of flavorful meatloaf forms the base, topped with a generous layer of fluffy mashed potatoes.

The dish is then garnished with crispy bacon bits and a blanket of melted cheese, creating a rich and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering. Let’s begin!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Meatloaf:

  • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme or oregano)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 3 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Meatloaf (15 minutes): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Press the meat mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through.
  2. Cook and Mash Potatoes (20 minutes): While the meatloaf is baking, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add milk and butter, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Assemble Casserole (5 minutes): Remove the meatloaf from the oven and drain any excess fat. Spread the mashed potatoes over the meatloaf.
  4. Add Toppings and Bake (20 minutes): Sprinkle the chopped bacon over the mashed potatoes, then top with shredded cheddar cheese. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Serve (5 minutes): Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For the best results, make sure the meatloaf is fully cooked before adding the mashed potatoes. For extra flavor, you can mix some grated cheese into the mashed potatoes as well.

The combination of the savory meatloaf, creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese creates a delightful array of textures and flavors that make this dish a sure hit.

Serve this comforting dish with your favorite sides such as tangy cranberry sauce, herb-infused stuffing, and sauteed veggies. Enjoy your meal!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Pair this with...

Cranberry Sauce

Grab a bag of fresh or frozen cranberries and toss them into a saucepan. Add in some sugar (or honey for a natural twist) to balance out the tartness. For a deeper flavor profile, zest and juice an orange into the mix. As everything simmers together on medium heat, the cranberries will burst and the sauce will thicken. Feel free to adjust the sweetness as you go. Once it's reached your desired consistency, let it cool down. The sauce will continue to gel as it cools. Transfer to a serving dish, and voilà, you have a homemade cranberry sauce that's both zesty and sweet.

Maple Glazed Green Beans

Begin by trimming your fresh green beans. In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the beans until they're starting to soften but still have a bit of crunch. Meanwhile, in a separate pan, toast some pine nuts just until they're golden, which will bring out their rich, buttery flavor. Once the green beans are nearly done, drizzle in pure maple syrup to give them a sweet glaze that complements their natural earthiness. Let the syrup caramelize slightly and coat the beans. Add in your toasted pine nuts, toss everything together, and season with a pinch of salt.

Easy Stuffing

Grab a loaf of day-old bread and tear or cut it into bite-sized chunks. If you want to speed things up, give those pieces a quick toast in the oven. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt some butter and sauté diced onions and celery until they're soft and translucent. Stir in seasonings like sage, thyme, and a bit of salt and pepper. Toss the toasted bread chunks into the skillet and give it a good mix. Pour in some chicken or vegetable broth, just enough to moisten the bread without making it soggy. Give it a stir, letting all the ingredients get to know each other. Pop the skillet into the oven for a quick bake until the top is crispy.

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