Hearty Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food takes an exciting turn with this hearty loaded potato meatloaf casserole that promises to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

The dish blends classic comfort ingredients into a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tender ground beef create a harmonious symphony of flavors in every single bite.

Potatoes form the perfect creamy base, complementing the rich, savory meatloaf with their smooth texture and robust taste.

This recipe transforms ordinary dinner into an extraordinary meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Each forkful delivers a delightful combination of protein and potatoes that will make weeknight dinners feel special.

You won’t be able to resist the irresistible aroma and incredible taste of this comforting casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love Loaded Potato Meatloaf

• Comfort Food Perfection: Combine classic meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and crispy bacon for a crowd-pleasing dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Use affordable ingredients like ground beef, instant potatoes, and basic pantry staples to create a filling meal that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.
• One-Dish Dish: Streamline your cooking process with this all-in-one casserole that eliminates multiple pots and pans, making cleanup a breeze and saving precious time in the kitchen.

What Goes into Potato Meatloaf Casserole

Main Ingredients:

Ground Beef: A juicy and flavorful base for the meatloaf.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and smooth topping that adds comfort.

Bacon Bits: Crispy and salty bits that bring extra deliciousness.

Cheese: Melty goodness that makes everything taste better.

• Bread Crumbs: Helps hold the meat mixture together.
• Egg: Provides structure and helps bind ingredients.

• Onions, Brown Sugar, Worcestershire Sauce: A trio of ingredients that adds depth and sweetness to the meat.

• Water, Milk: Helps create the perfect mashed potato texture.
• Instant Mashed Potato Powder: Convenient way to make creamy potatoes.

• Aluminum Foil: Helps with even cooking and moisture retention.
• Rubber Spatula: Useful for spreading mashed potatoes smoothly.

How to Build This Loaded Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a sizzling 400°F, getting ready for some delicious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Potato Base

In a medium saucepan, combine water and milk until they bubble and boil.

Take the pan off the heat and stir in instant mashed potato powder until smooth and creamy.

Set this dreamy potato mixture aside.

Step 3: Mix Meaty Goodness

Grab a large mixing bowl and dive in with your hands.

• Ground beef
• Chopped onions
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce

Squish and mix everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Bind the Meat Mixture

• Bread crumbs
• Egg

Continue mixing with your hands until everything is perfectly blended.

Step 5: Create the Casserole Base

Press the meat mixture evenly into an 8-inch square baking dish, creating a smooth, compact layer.

Step 6: Layer on the Potatoes

Use a rubber spatula to spread the prepared mashed potatoes in an even layer over the meat mixture.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Bacon Topping

Sprinkle grated cheese across the potato surface, then generously scatter bacon bits on top.

Step 8: First Baking Phase

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Step 9: Final Crispy Touch

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crispy top.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Pull the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Slice into hearty portions and serve hot.

Tips to Maximize Meatloaf Casserole Flavor

• Use fresh mashed potatoes instead of instant mix for richer, more homemade flavor and creamier texture.
• Mix ground beef gently to prevent overworking, which can make the meatloaf tough and dry.
• Incorporate minced garlic, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary into the meat mixture for deeper, more complex taste.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to minimize excess grease and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Partially cook bacon before crumbling to ensure crispy texture and prevent sogginess during baking.

How to Store and Reheat the Loaded Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen casserole stays good for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

What to Serve with Meatloaf and Potatoes

• Pair this hearty casserole with crisp, tangy coleslaw to balance the rich meaty flavors and add refreshing crunch.
• Choose a robust amber ale or dark lager that can stand up to the savory meat and cheesy potato layers, cutting through the richness with its malty undertones.
• Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, peppery contrast that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the dense, comforting casserole.
• Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Malbec, which offers enough boldness to match the intense meat and potato flavors while providing a smooth, fruity finish.

Tasty Variations of This Casserole Dish

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap ground beef with plant-based meat alternative or lentils mixed with mushrooms for protein-rich substitute.
• Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower mash instead of potato powder and replace bread crumbs with ground pork rinds or almond meal.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños to meat mixture and sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for extra heat and flavor complexity.

FAQs

• Why use instant mashed potato powder instead of fresh potatoes?

Instant mashed potato powder provides consistent texture, saves preparation time, and ensures smooth, creamy potatoes without peeling or boiling whole potatoes.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for ground beef, which allows flexibility for dietary preferences or health considerations while maintaining similar flavor profiles.

• How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F to ensure the ground beef is safely cooked through without becoming dry.

• Is it necessary to mix the meat mixture with hands?

Mixing with hands helps evenly distribute ingredients, ensures better meat cohesion, and prevents overworking the meat, which can make the meatloaf tough and dense.

Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this loaded potato meatloaf casserole, blending hearty ground beef with creamy mashed potatoes and crispy bacon. Cheesy, savory layers create a satisfying meal that brings warmth and joy to your dinner table, promising to delight hungry appetites.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef, extra lean
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup real bacon bits

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese blend, shredded
• 1/2 cup milk

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1 cup seasoned Italian bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 4-ounce (4 oz) package garlic flavored instant mashed potatoes
• 1 1/2 cups water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the mashed potato mixture by combining water and milk in a saucepan, bringing to a boil, then stirring in instant potato powder until smooth and creamy.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend ground beef with finely chopped onions, adding brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce for deep, rich flavor.
3. Incorporate bread crumbs and beaten egg into the meat mixture, thoroughly combining with clean hands to ensure even distribution.
4. Transfer the meat blend into an 8-inch square baking dish, carefully pressing and smoothing the surface to create an even layer.
5. Gently spread the prepared mashed potatoes across the meat foundation using a flexible spatula, creating a uniform potato blanket.
6. Generously scatter grated cheese over the potato layer, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melting potential.
7. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits across the cheese, distributing them evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
8. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and place in a preheated 400°F oven, baking for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
9. Uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crisp top.
10. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for several minutes, allowing the layers to settle and making slicing easier.
11. Slice into hearty portions and serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Notes

• Experiment with different ground meats like turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still delivers rich flavor.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
• Enhance the potato layer by mixing in fresh chives, roasted garlic, or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess and depth.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner preparation a breeze.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg