Nothing says comfort like a delicious, hearty casserole! This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is a fantastic fusion of two all-time favorites: creamy mashed potatoes and juicy, flavorful meatloaf.
Topped with crispy bacon and melty cheddar cheese, and seasoned with a mix of BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, and garlic, it’s an easy and satisfying dish that will please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s ready in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Two Comfort Foods in One: This casserole combines creamy mashed potatoes with savory meatloaf for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Easy to Make: With minimal prep time, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or when you need to feed a crowd.
Full of Flavor: A mix of BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, garlic, and onions adds depth, while the cheese and bacon provide a delicious finishing touch.
Versatile: Easily swap in ground turkey or make it vegetarian by using plant-based ground meat.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef or turkey: Use lean ground beef for classic meatloaf or swap with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- ½ cup of finely chopped white onion: Adds a sweet, savory flavor.
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic: Fresh garlic boosts the flavor profile.
- 1 cup of seasoned bread crumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf together while adding seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, umami kick.
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten: Binds the ingredients together.
- â…“ cup of cottage cheese: Provides moisture and a slight tangy flavor.
- ½ cup of BBQ sauce: Adds sweetness and a smoky flavor.
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and diced: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for a creamy texture.
- ½ cup of unsalted butter: Makes the mashed potatoes rich and velvety.
- ½ cup of sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang.
- ½ cup of warm milk or half-and-half: For a smooth, creamy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
For the Topping:
- 6 slices of thick bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds a smoky, crispy texture.
- 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for a cheesy topping.
Ingredient Tips
Ground Meat: For a lower-fat option, use ground turkey. You can also mix ground beef with ground pork for a richer flavor.
Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery texture or Russet potatoes for fluffier mashed potatoes.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a sharp, creamy flavor, but feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even Pepper Jack for a little kick.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade BBQ sauce to control the sweetness and spice level.
Instructions Outline
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures that your casserole doesn’t stick and cleans up easily.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Layer
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, finely chopped white onion, minced garlic, seasoned bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, lightly beaten egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This step sets the meatloaf base while you prepare the mashed potatoes.
Tip: To keep the meatloaf moist, avoid pressing the meat too firmly into the pan.
3. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
While the meatloaf is baking, place the diced potatoes in a pot filled with salted water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot.
Add the unsalted butter to the hot potatoes, allowing it to melt. Using a hand mixer or potato masher, mash the potatoes until smooth. Then, add the sour cream, warm milk or half-and-half, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Continue to mix until all ingredients are well combined and the potatoes are creamy.
Pro Tip: For extra smooth mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or food mill.
4. Assemble the Casserole
After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven. Carefully drain any excess grease from the pan to avoid a soggy casserole.
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the mashed potatoes, followed by the crumbled bacon.
5. Bake and Serve
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This brief resting time allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Serving Suggestion: Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots for added nutrients and a fresh contrast.
Crusty Bread: Pair with a slice of crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce from the casserole.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the baking instructions.
Meal Prep: Make the meatloaf mixture and mashed potatoes ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture for extra heat.
Vegetarian: Substitute the ground meat with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth in the mashed potatoes.
Loaded Sweet Potatoes: Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor profile. Adjust seasoning accordingly.
Cheese Lovers: Mix in different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for an extra cheesy casserole.
Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole
Ingredients Â
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef or turkey
- ½ cup finely chopped white onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- â…“ cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 pounds potatoes peeled and diced
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup warm milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 slices thick bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
InstructionsÂ
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, beaten egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce. Mix until evenly combined.
- Bake the meatloaf: Spread the meat mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the mashed potatoes: While the meatloaf is baking, boil the diced potatoes in a pot of water over medium heat until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
- Mash the potatoes: Add the unsalted butter to the potatoes and mash until smooth. Mix in the sour cream, warm milk or half-and-half, salt, and pepper until well-combined.
- Layer the casserole: After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and drain any excess grease. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf layer.
- Top with cheese and bacon: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the mashed potatoes.
- Final bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.