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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, blend ground beef with finely chopped onions, adding brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce for deep, rich flavor.
- Incorporate bread crumbs and beaten egg into the meat mixture, thoroughly combining with clean hands to ensure even distribution.
- Transfer the meat blend into an 8-inch square baking dish, carefully pressing and smoothing the surface to create an even layer.
- Gently spread the prepared mashed potatoes across the meat foundation using a flexible spatula, creating a uniform potato blanket.
- Generously scatter grated cheese over the potato layer, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melting potential.
- Sprinkle crispy bacon bits across the cheese, distributing them evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and place in a preheated 400°F oven, baking for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crisp top.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for several minutes, allowing the layers to settle and making slicing easier.
- 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