This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines two beloved classics: meatloaf and mashed potatoes. With a flavorful, savory meatloaf base topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and a gooey layer of melted cheddar cheese, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or any occasion when you’re craving something hearty. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table!
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf Layer:
- 1.5 pounds of ground beef (or turkey) with a low-fat content.
- ½ cup finely chopped white onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ⅓ cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup warm milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Topping:
- 6 strips of hearty bacon, crispy and crumbled.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches) and set aside.
- Make the Meatloaf Base:
- In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together the ground beef (or turkey), diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, a beaten egg, cottage cheese, and barbecue sauce.
- Stir thoroughly until all components are evenly combined.
- Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the meatloaf layer.
- Bake the Meatloaf:
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it is mostly cooked through but still juicy.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- While the meatloaf is baking, boil the peeled and diced potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add the butter, sour cream, warm milk or half-and-half, kosher salt, and black pepper to the potatoes.
- Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Once the meatloaf has cooked, carefully spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the mashed potatoes, then top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Final Bake:
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or additional bacon, if desired.
- Serve with a side of green beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is the definition of comfort food at its finest. The tender, flavorful meatloaf paired with rich and creamy mashed potatoes, bacon, and melted cheese creates a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or gathering. With its layers of texture and flavor, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole: A Hearty Comfort Dish
A savory meatloaf base topped with creamy mashedpotatoes, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese, this casserole is a heartyand comforting meal that’s perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Layer:
- 1.5 pounds of ground beef or turkey with a low-fat content.
- ½ cup finely chopped white onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- ⅓ cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 pounds potatoes peeled and diced
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup warm milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Topping:
- 6 strips of hearty bacon crispy and crumbled.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches) and set aside.
Make the Meatloaf Base:
- In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together the ground beef (or turkey), diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, a beaten egg, cottage cheese, and barbecue sauce.
- Stir thoroughly until all components are evenly combined.
- Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the meatloaf layer.
Bake the Meatloaf:
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it is mostly cooked through but still juicy.
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- While the meatloaf is baking, boil the peeled and diced potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add the butter, sour cream, warm milk or half-and-half, kosher salt, and black pepper to the potatoes.
- Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Once the meatloaf has cooked, carefully spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the mashed potatoes, then top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
Final Bake:
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or additional bacon, if desired.
- Serve with a side of green beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal.