Description

Discover how to make Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole, a hearty dish with savory meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, bacon, cheese, and chives. Includes recipe, tips, and variations.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients List (with measurements)

Here’s what you’ll need to make Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole:

For the Meatloaf Base:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Loaded Potato Topping:

4 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup milk (more as needed for desired consistency)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the meatloaf base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense meatloaf.
Shape the meatloaf: Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming a flat, even layer. Set aside.
Cook the potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes well.
Mash the potatoes: Using a potato masher or electric mixer, mash the cooked potatoes with the sour cream, butter, and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add additional milk as needed to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Assemble the casserole: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
Bake the casserole: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Add the toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled bacon and remaining shredded cheese on top. Return the casserole to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped chives over the top of the casserole. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Slice into portions and enjoy!

Notes

Additional Tips for Perfecting Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

To ensure your Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole turns out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let the ground meat, eggs, and milk come to room temperature before mixing. This helps them combine more evenly, leading to a more cohesive meatloaf mixture.
Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for the mashed potato topping. Sharp cheddar is the go-to, but Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even blue cheese can elevate the flavor.
Bake Until Bubbly: Keep an eye on the cheese topping. For the best results, bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This ensures that the casserole has a crispy, melty top layer that’s both visually appealing and delicious.
Resting the Casserole: Always let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers firm up, so the casserole holds its shape when serving.