Introduction

The Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines two beloved comfort foods: meatloaf and baked potatoes. This casserole is a complete meal in one, offering the savory richness of ground beef, the creaminess of mashed potatoes, and the indulgence of melted cheese and bacon. With layers of flavor and texture, it’s the perfect dish to serve on a chilly evening or during a family gathering. Whether you’re in need of a filling dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is an easy and satisfying option that everyone will love.

What makes this casserole so special is the combination of two popular comfort foods—meatloaf and loaded potatoes. The meatloaf layer is tender, flavorful, and topped with a tangy glaze, while the potatoes are fluffy, creamy, and loaded with cheese, bacon, and green onions. The result is a deliciously comforting and filling meal that’s great for any occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a family favorite.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the perfect Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole from start to finish. We’ll cover tips for preparing the potatoes, making the meatloaf, and layering the casserole to ensure it cooks evenly. Additionally, we’ll provide variations and ideas for customizing the recipe based on your preferences. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering casserole!

Why You’ll Love Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

Comforting and Hearty: This casserole combines two of the most comforting foods—meatloaf and loaded potatoes—into one delicious dish that is both satisfying and filling.
Packed with Flavor: With layers of savory ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and fresh green onions, this casserole is bursting with flavor in every bite.
Easy to Make: Despite its hearty nature, this casserole is surprisingly easy to make, with minimal preparation required. It’s a one-pan meal that’s great for busy nights or feeding a crowd.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients and toppings to suit your tastes, adding extra veggies, swapping in different meats, or changing up the type of cheese used.
Great for Leftovers: This casserole reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers. It can also be stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for later use.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 20-25 minutes
Cooking Time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings (adjustable)
Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-600 calories per serving, depending on portion size and optional add-ins.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Layer:

Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
Breadcrumbs: ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko or regular)
Egg: 1 large egg
Milk: ¼ cup milk (whole or 2% preferred)
Onion: ½ medium onion, finely chopped
Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
Ketchup: 2 tablespoons
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Pepper: ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Loaded Potato Layer:

Potatoes: 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Sour Cream: ½ cup sour cream
Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
Bacon: 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Green Onions: 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Pepper: ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Glaze:

Ketchup: ¼ cup ketchup
Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling and dicing the russet potatoes into small cubes. Place the diced potatoes into a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium and cook the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Add the butter, sour cream, and salt and pepper to the potatoes. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onions (reserving some green onions for garnish). Set aside and keep warm.

Make the Meatloaf Layer

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper.
Mix the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense meatloaf.
Transfer the meat mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use your hands to press the mixture into an even layer across the bottom of the dish.

Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the glaze is well combined.
Brush the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer, ensuring it’s fully covered.

Assemble the Casserole

Spread the prepared loaded mashed potatoes evenly on top of the meatloaf layer, smoothing it out with a spatula. Be sure to cover the meatloaf completely with the mashed potatoes.
Sprinkle the top with an extra handful of shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy, melty topping. You can also sprinkle some additional crumbled bacon on top for extra flavor and texture.

Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If you like your cheese extra crispy, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice the casserole into squares and serve it hot. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Enjoy the savory goodness of the loaded potato and meatloaf casserole!

Tips for Perfect Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

Use Starchy Potatoes: For the best texture in your mashed potatoes, use russet potatoes. They have a starchy composition that makes them perfect for mashing and results in a creamy texture.
Don’t Overmix the Meatloaf: Overmixing the meatloaf can make it tough. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed to ensure a tender meatloaf layer.
Customize the Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Add extra cheese, sprinkle chopped herbs like parsley or thyme, or even top with crispy fried onions for an added crunch.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling it and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great option for busy nights or when you have guests over.
Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a leaner option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Just be sure to season the meat well to keep it flavorful.
Vary the Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can mix in other types of cheese like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a sharp blue cheese for a unique twist.
Add Vegetables: To make this casserole even more filling and nutritious, consider adding sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the meatloaf mixture or layering them between the meatloaf and potatoes.

Variations of Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

While this casserole is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations to consider:

Mexican-Inspired Loaded Potato Casserole: Add taco seasoning to the meatloaf mixture and top with Mexican cheese blend, jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream for a Mexican twist on the dish.
Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Add diced pickles to the meatloaf mixture, and top the casserole with crispy bacon, shredded lettuce, and extra cheddar cheese to mimic the flavors of a loaded cheeseburger.
Vegetarian Meatloaf Casserole: For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils or crumbled tofu, and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the meatloaf mixture.
BBQ Meatloaf Casserole: Substitute the ketchup glaze with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and green onions.
Loaded Potato and Chicken Casserole: For a lighter option, replace the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken. You can even use leftover rotisserie chicken for added convenience.

Side Dishes That Pair Well with Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement its hearty flavors. Here are a few great options:

Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing helps balance out the richness of the casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans make a great side dish. Their caramelized flavors contrast nicely with the creamy casserole.
Garlic Bread: A side of crispy, buttery garlic bread adds an extra indulgent touch to this already hearty meal.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy and vibrant addition to the meal, adding a bit of crunch and freshness.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob with butter is a classic side that pairs wonderfully with this comfort food casserole.

Conclusion

The Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of both worlds—meatloaf and loaded potatoes—into one flavorful and filling dish. With its layers of tender meat, creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, this casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep for the week.

By following the simple steps and tips in this guide, you can create a satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table. Whether you choose to customize the recipe or keep it classic, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy this hearty, delicious dish, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family!

Introduction

Why You’ll Love Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole