Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatloaf Base:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup ketchup (for topping)
For the Loaded Mashed Potatoes:
- 4-5 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Base
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Form the Meatloaf Layer: Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread a layer of ketchup over the top for that classic meatloaf flavor.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Bake the meatloaf layer in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s nearly cooked through.
Step 2: Make the Loaded Mashed Potatoes
- Boil the Potatoes: While the meatloaf is baking, boil the cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and mash them with sour cream, butter, and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the crumbled bacon, and green onions into the mashed potatoes for a loaded flavor.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Layer the Mashed Potatoes: Once the meatloaf is cooked through, remove it from the oven and spread the loaded mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
- Add More Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon on top of the mashed potatoes for an extra cheesy, savory finish.
- Bake Again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Sprinkle the finished casserole with extra chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
- Serve: Slice into hearty portions and enjoy! Pair it with a simple salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
