Few things say comfort food quite like this hearty, satisfying Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole. Imagine layers of tender, flavorful meatloaf topped with a cloud of creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes, all finished with oven-bubbled cheddar, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of green onions. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress at your next potluck, this casserole delivers familiar flavors in every irresistible bite. It’s a dish that brings together the nostalgia of traditional meatloaf with the irresistible appeal of a loaded baked potato, all baked together in one glorious pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward, supermarket-friendly ingredients—each one adds its own personality, from the hearty ground beef base to the crowning, cheesy potato layer. Every component, from the Worcestershire-laced meat to the salty bacon topping, works together to create an unforgettable Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole.
- Ground beef (1 ½ lbs): This forms the savory, juicy base of the casserole—use 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup): They help bind the meatloaf and keep it moist; gluten-free work just as well for a GF version.
- Egg (1): The egg brings everything together for a sliceable meatloaf layer.
- Milk (½ cup for meatloaf, ¼ cup for potatoes): A little splash makes both the meatloaf and the potatoes extra tender and creamy.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp) & onion powder (1 tsp): These pantry staples boost both savory depth and classic meatloaf flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp): Don’t skip this umami-enhancing ingredient—it makes the beef shine.
- Salt (½ tsp) & black pepper (¼ tsp): Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
- Mashed potatoes (3 cups, prepared ahead or store-bought): For speed and ease, use leftovers or grab premade at the store; fluffy, smooth potatoes work best.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Adds tang and creaminess to the potato topping.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups, divided): Classic sharp cheddar melts perfectly into the potatoes and on top for that irresistible golden finish.
- Bacon (4 slices, cooked and crumbled): The salty, crunchy topper that brings loaded potato flair to life—use thick-cut for extra crunch.
- Green onions (2, sliced): They’re the colorful, fresh element that cuts through all the richness—don’t skip!
- Salt and pepper to taste (for potatoes): A little extra seasoning brings out the flavor in the creamy potato layer.
How to Make Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Base
Set the stage by preheating your oven to 375°F and giving your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish a light greasing—nonstick spray does the trick. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix it all just until combined; overmixing can make the meatloaf tough. Once everything looks evenly mixed (no dry crumbs, no big streaks of egg), press the mixture evenly into your prepared dish. This will become the sturdy, satisfying base of your Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole.
Step 2: Bake the Meatloaf Layer
Slide your baking dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and any juices run clear. This is a great time to check for doneness without drying out the meat—look for a little browning around the edges and check with a meat thermometer if you like (you’re looking for 160°F). When it’s done, carefully drain off any excess grease before moving on.
Step 3: Prep the Mashed Potato Topping
While the meatloaf layer does its thing in the oven, grab another bowl and combine your prepared mashed potatoes with sour cream, ½ cup shredded cheddar, ¼ cup milk, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Mix until the potatoes are fluffy, creamy, and the cheese is nicely distributed. This step is where you can play around: add a little more milk for extra creaminess or stir in a hint of garlic powder for bolder flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole
Now for the fun part! Once the meatloaf base is out of the oven and drained, gently spread the creamy mashed potato mixture right over the top, smoothing it into a thick, inviting layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the potatoes, then shower on your crumbled bacon and sliced green onions. The colors and aromas will already hint at the amazing meal to come!
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place the casserole back in the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, just until the cheese on top melts, bubbles, and turns lightly golden in spots. The bacon will crisp even more and the green onions will take on a sweet, roasted flavor. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before you slice in—this makes it easier to serve neat pieces and lets all the flavors settle together perfectly.
How to Serve Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole
Garnishes
For that true “loaded” vibe, don’t underestimate the power of extra toppings! A sprinkle of chopped chives, fresh parsley, or even a dollop of sour cream right before serving can brighten up your Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole. If you like a little heat, a shake of paprika or a drizzle of hot sauce right over the top is a fun twist. Let everyone at the table personalize their slice with favorite add-ons.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is so hearty, I love to serve it with something crunchy and fresh. A simple green salad with vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli balance out the richness. For cozy nights, a side of buttered peas or a scoop of coleslaw also pair perfectly. And of course, a basket of fresh rolls never hurts!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to give the Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole a little dinner party flair, try serving squares atop sautéed spinach or in individual ramekins for mini casseroles. For family gatherings, cut hearty squares and stack them on a rustic wooden board, garnished with extra bacon crumbles and green onions. You can even turn leftovers into “loaded” sandwiches by tucking a thick slab between two slices of crusty bread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are a dream with this casserole! Simply cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole will stay delicious for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, you can wrap portions individually or the whole casserole (well-sealed with plastic wrap and aluminum foil). It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, pop slices or whole portions into the oven at 350°F, covered loosely with foil, until warmed through (about 20 minutes for a whole casserole, less for single pieces). You can also use the microwave for a speedy reheat; just cover to keep the potatoes moist. If you froze the casserole, let it thaw first—then reheat for a just-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I substitute another type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground pork work beautifully in place of beef. For a lighter version, stick with turkey—just watch your seasoning, as leaner meats can sometimes need a little extra punch.
What’s the best way to make the mashed potato topping extra smooth?
For the creamiest potatoes, mash them while still warm and stir in the sour cream and milk gradually. If you prefer ultra-smooth potatoes, you can even use a hand mixer. Just don’t overwork them or they’ll turn gluey!
Can I make Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole ahead of time?
Yes—the whole casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes first for even heating.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatloaf base. All the other components of this Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?
Definitely! Store-bought mashed potatoes are a huge timesaver and work just as well as homemade. Just make sure they’re creamy and well-seasoned before using them in the recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for that perfect, crowd-pleasing dish to warm hearts (and bellies!), this Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole should be at the very top of your list. It’s hearty, unfussy, and flat-out delicious—give it a try and watch your family fall in love, one creamy, cheesy forkful at a time!
Print
Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole. A hearty meatloaf base topped with creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings together classic flavors in a convenient casserole form.
Ingredients
For the meatloaf base:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the mashed potato topping:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared ahead or store-bought)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- salt and pepper to taste
For topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon crumbled
- 2 green onions sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Meanwhile, mix the mashed potatoes with sour cream, shredded cheese, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Remove the meatloaf layer from the oven and carefully drain off any excess grease. Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly over the meatloaf. Top with additional shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onions. Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined. Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish to form a uniform layer. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until fully cooked and the juices run clear.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or pork for the beef.
- For quicker prep, use leftover mashed potatoes or pre-made ones from the store.
- Add a sprinkle of paprika or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
