Hearty Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this hearty loaded potato and meatloaf casserole that promises to satisfy even the most discerning appetite.

Layers of seasoned ground beef meld perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes and a blanket of melted cheese.

Crispy bacon bits and green onions add a delightful crunch and burst of flavor to every single bite.

The combination creates a complete meal that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this delicious dish and experience pure comfort on a plate.

How to Prepare Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

• Meat Mixture Foundation

Combine ground protein with aromatic vegetables, binding agents, and flavor enhancers in a mixing bowl to create a robust base for the casserole.

• Initial Baking Stage

Spread the meat mixture into a prepared baking pan and cook until initial doneness, allowing the proteins to develop deep, rich flavors.

• Potato Cloud Preparation

Transform boiled potatoes into a creamy, luxurious topping by blending with dairy components and seasonings until silky smooth.

• Cheese and Crisp Crowning

Layer the potato mixture over the partially cooked meat, then scatter sharp cheddar and crispy bacon fragments across the surface for a decadent finish.

• Final Melding

Return the casserole to the oven, allowing the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling blanket that melds all components into a comforting, harmonious dish.

Casserole Tips & Add-Ins for Flavor

• Swap ground beef with ground chicken or lean pork for a lighter protein option that keeps the dish flavorful and juicy.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, gouda, or monterey jack to add unique flavor profiles and melt beautifully over the potatoes.
• For extra creamy mashed potatoes, use Yukon gold or russet potatoes and warm the milk and butter before mixing for a smoother texture.
• Try pancetta, turkey bacon, or smoked bacon bits for different smoky and crispy topping variations that complement the meatloaf base.
• Mix finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the meatloaf mixture to increase nutritional value and add subtle complexity to the dish.

How to Serve a Hearty Potato Meatloaf Casserole

• Serve with Fresh Greens: Pair the hearty casserole with a crisp garden salad to balance the rich, savory flavors and add a refreshing crunch.
• Create Family-Style Dinner: Place the casserole directly on the table in its baking dish for a warm, inviting communal meal that encourages sharing and connection.
• Add Zesty Side Condiments: Offer small bowls of chopped green onions, extra BBQ sauce, or tangy sour cream to let everyone customize their plate and enhance the dish's taste profile.
• Complement with Comfort Sides: Complement the casserole with steamed vegetables like green beans or roasted broccoli to provide a nutritious and colorful accompaniment to this comforting meal.

Planning & Storing Meatloaf Casserole Meals

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add a splash of milk when reheating to prevent dryness.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time if starting from cold.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes in a Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Provides hearty protein base with rich, satisfying flavor profile; choose lean cuts for healthier option.
• Onion: Adds aromatic depth and subtle sweetness to meat mixture; select fresh, firm onions.
• Garlic: Enhances overall taste with robust, pungent notes; opt for fresh cloves over pre-minced.
• Bread Crumbs: Creates tender texture and helps bind ingredients together; use classic or panko style.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces tangy, umami complexity; look for traditional brands.
• Egg: Acts as natural binding agent for meat mixture; select fresh, room temperature eggs.
• Cottage Cheese: Contributes creamy texture and protein boost; choose full-fat version for richness.
• BBQ Sauce: Provides sweet and smoky undertones; pick your favorite regional style.

• Potatoes: Forms creamy, comforting layer; select starchy varieties like Russet.
• Butter: Delivers luxurious smoothness and rich flavor; use unsalted for better control.
• Sour Cream: Adds creamy tanginess to potato layer; full-fat version recommended.
• Milk: Helps achieve silky mashed potato consistency; whole milk preferred.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors; use freshly ground pepper.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating golden, crispy topping; sharp variety suggested.
• Bacon: Provides crispy, smoky garnish; choose thick-cut for maximum crunch.

Tools You’ll Need for Meatloaf Casserole

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ground meat, seasonings, and other ingredients.
• 9×13 inch baking pan: Essential for creating the casserole base and ensuring even cooking.
• Potato masher or electric mixer: Helps create smooth, creamy mashed potatoes.
• Colander: Needed to drain boiled potatoes and excess meat grease.
• Cutting board: Useful for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Required for dicing ingredients and preparing the meatloaf mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Hearty Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Midwestern Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole combines classic comfort ingredients in one satisfying dish. Savory ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese create a memorable meal you’ll want to share with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) lean ground beef or turkey
• 6 slices thick bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 lbs (907 g) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 0.5 cup (113 g) unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) warm milk or half-and-half
• 0.33 cup (80 g) cottage cheese
• 1.5 cups (340 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 0.5 cup finely chopped white onion
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, egg, cottage cheese, and barbecue sauce until well combined.
3. Initial Baking: Spread the meat mixture evenly in the prepared dish and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to partially cook.
4. Potato Preparation: While the meatloaf bakes, boil diced potatoes in salted water until tender, then mash with butter, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth.
5. Assembly and Finishing: Remove the meatloaf from the oven, drain excess grease, spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the surface, then top generously with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
6. Final Baking: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and develops a light golden color.

Notes

• Meat Mixture Mastery: Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution and prevent dry spots in the meatloaf.
• Potato Perfection: Drain potatoes completely to avoid watery mashed potatoes and achieve a creamy, smooth texture.
• Grease Management: Carefully drain excess fat after initial meatloaf baking to prevent a greasy final dish.
• Cheese and Bacon Finale: Sprinkle toppings generously for maximum flavor impact and appealing golden-brown finish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg