This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole combines the heartiness of meatloaf with the comforting taste of creamy mashed potatoes, all topped with cheese and bacon for a decadent dish. It’s perfect for a filling family dinner and sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef or turkey
- 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 Potatoes:
- 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
Toppings:
- 6 slices thick bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, egg, and cottage cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Press half of this meat mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add BBQ Sauce:
- Spread the BBQ sauce over the meat layer in the baking dish.
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Boil the peeled and diced potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return them to the pot.
- Add the unsalted butter, sour cream, warm milk, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Spread the remaining meat mixture over the BBQ sauce.
- Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the meat.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through.
- Add Toppings and Finish Baking:
- Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the mashed potatoes.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Tips:
- Meat Choice: Using lean meat helps reduce excess fat in the casserole, but make sure it doesn’t dry out. The cottage cheese helps keep the meatloaf moist.
- Mashed Potatoes: For extra flavor, consider adding some garlic powder or chives to the mashed potatoes.
- BBQ Sauce Choice: The flavor of the casserole can vary greatly depending on the BBQ sauce used, so pick one that suits your taste preference.
Conclusion:
Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is a robust and comforting dish that’s ideal for a hearty meal. It combines simple ingredients in a fulfilling way and is perfect for those who enjoy a touch of indulgence in their meals. This dish is also great for leftovers and can easily be reheated for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy this delightful blend of flavors that’s sure to comfort and satisfy any appetite.