Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

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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:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 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.
  3. Add BBQ Sauce:
    • Spread the BBQ sauce over the meat layer in the baking dish.
  4. 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.
  5. Layer the Casserole:
    • Spread the remaining meat mixture over the BBQ sauce.
    • Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the meat.
  6. Bake the Casserole:
    • Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.