Sophia Langley
Sink your fork into this rich and comforting Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole, a hearty fusion of two classic comfort foods. This dish features a savory, tender meatloaf base crowned with fluffy mashed potatoes, gooey melted cheese, and a drizzle of tangy barbecue sauce. Crisp green onions add a burst of freshness on top, balancing the richness of each bite. It’s the perfect meal to satisfy serious cravings and warm you up from the inside out.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a cozy family dinner idea, this casserole is a showstopper. It’s easy to prepare, bakes beautifully, and delivers layers of flavor and texture in every mouthful. Imagine meatloaf meets loaded baked potato—packed with bold, home-cooked flavor, this dish is bound to become a new favorite on your rotation.
Ingredients for this Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole
- For the meatloaf layer:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the mashed potato layer:
- 3–4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup milk (adjust for desired creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by peeling and cubing the potatoes, then boil them in salted water until fork-tender—about 15–20 minutes. Drain well and return to the pot. Add the butter and milk, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the meatloaf base.
Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Layer
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and finely chopped onion. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
Step 3: Layer and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch (or similar size) baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat layer in an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle the top with barbecue sauce, then sprinkle with crumbled bacon (if using) and chopped green onions. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting layers of flavor!
Estimated Nutrition
(Per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead?
Yes, instant mashed potatoes work in a pinch. Just make sure they’re thick and sturdy enough to layer over the meatloaf base.
2. What other meats can I use?
Ground turkey, pork, or a beef-pork blend all work well. Just ensure they’re seasoned properly to maintain a rich flavor.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the layers, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
5. Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf layer?
Yes! Finely chopped mushrooms, carrots, or spinach can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
6. Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using certified GF breadcrumbs and ensuring all sauces used are gluten-free.
7. What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is ideal, but a mix of cheddar and mozzarella creates a melty, flavorful topping.
8. How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Cover the portion with a damp paper towel and microwave, or reheat covered in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food mashup, this Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole is your go-to. It’s a delicious twist on two family favorites: savory meatloaf and creamy loaded mashed potatoes, baked together in one warm and hearty dish. Perfect for quick dinners, cozy weekend meals, or potluck gatherings, this easy recipe is full of flavor and satisfying texture. With its melted cheese, zesty barbecue drizzle, and crisp green onion finish, every bite is rich, cheesy, and deeply comforting. If you’re hunting for dinner ideas or comfort food inspiration, this one’s a winner.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Layer:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Mashed Potato Layer:
3–4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
3 tbsp barbecue sauce
2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives
Instructions
- Boil peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain, mash with butter and milk, and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Press meat mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9″ baking dish.
- Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf layer.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes or until meat is cooked through and cheese is melted.
- Drizzle with barbecue sauce, add bacon if desired, and top with green onions.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner