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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, egg, cottage cheese, and barbecue sauce until well combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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