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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.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Calories 450 kcal

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
  • 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 9x13 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal
Keyword Loaded Potato Casserole
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