Irresistible Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for Families

Craving a hearty meal that blends classic comfort with a loaded potato meatloaf casserole twist?

Cheese, bacon, and creamy potatoes create a mouthwatering combination that promises pure satisfaction.

Midwest home kitchens inspired this delectable dish, where simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Layers of seasoned ground beef mingle with crispy potato toppings, making every bite an indulgent experience.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this casserole comes together without compromising on flavor.

Familiar yet innovative, this recipe turns ordinary dinner into a celebration of robust, satisfying flavors.

Why Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Is a Crowd Favorite

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine classic meatloaf with loaded potato magic for a hearty dish that satisfies meat and potato lovers of all ages.
• Streamline Dinner Prep: Create a complete meal in one baking dish, minimizing kitchen cleanup and maximizing flavor with minimal effort.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like bacon or cheese to match family preferences, making this recipe incredibly adaptable for different taste buds.
• Perfect Family Gathering Dish: Deliver a filling, protein-packed meal that brings everyone together around the table with its irresistible blend of savory meat and creamy potatoes.

Ingredients for Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: These meats provide a rich and flavorful base for the meatloaf casserole.

• Bread Crumbs, Parmesan Cheese: These ingredients help bind the meat mixture and add extra texture and flavor.
• Milk, Egg: These components ensure the meatloaf stays moist and holds together well.
• Onion, Garlic, Oregano, Basil, Salt, Pepper: These seasonings enhance the overall taste profile of the meatloaf.

• Potatoes: These form the creamy and comforting top layer of the casserole.
• Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: These dairy ingredients create a rich and smooth potato mixture.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This cheese adds a sharp and melty component to the potato layer.
• Crumbled Bacon, Green Onions: These toppings provide additional flavor and texture to the potato layer.

• Parsley: This herb adds a fresh and colorful finishing touch to the dish.

Preparation Steps for Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Get your oven warming up to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Meaty Base

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Milk
• Egg
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Oregano
• Basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything thoroughly until the mixture is well incorporated.

Step 3: Form the Meat Layer

Press the meat mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating an even, smooth layer that covers the entire surface.

Step 4: Boil and Prepare Potatoes

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add diced potatoes and cook until they’re fork-tender, typically 10-12 minutes. Drain the potatoes completely.

Step 5: Transform Potatoes into a Loaded Topping

• Sour cream
• Heavy cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crumbled bacon
• Chopped green onions

Season with salt and pepper to your taste preferences.

Step 6: Layer the Potato Topping

Spread the loaded potato mixture evenly over the meat layer, creating a luxurious blanket of creamy goodness.

Step 7: Add Extra Cheese

Sprinkle an additional handful of shredded cheddar cheese across the top for maximum cheesy deliciousness.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for melted, bubbly cheese and a thoroughly heated casserole.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

If desired, garnish with some freshly chopped parsley. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Tips for Perfect Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this hearty casserole.
• Allow the meatloaf mixture to rest for 10 minutes before adding potato topping to help it set and bind together perfectly.
• Drain potatoes thoroughly to prevent watery mashed potato layer and ensure a creamy, thick topping.
• For a gluten-free option, replace bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
• Make ahead by preparing the casserole and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking – just add extra 10-15 minutes to cooking time when ready to serve.

Variations to Customize Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

• Southwestern Meatloaf Casserole: Replace oregano and basil with chili powder, cumin, and add diced green chilies to the meat mixture. Top potatoes with pepper jack cheese and garnish with fresh cilantro.
• Mediterranean Lamb Meatloaf Casserole: Substitute ground beef and pork with ground lamb. Add mint, rosemary, and feta cheese. Mix roasted red peppers into the potato layer.
• Smoky BBQ Meatloaf Casserole: Mix barbecue sauce into the meat mixture. Use smoked cheddar cheese on top. Incorporate caramelized onions into the potato layer and drizzle extra BBQ sauce before serving.
• Ranch-Style Meatloaf Casserole: Add ranch seasoning to the meat mixture. Mix ranch dressing into the potato layer.

Suggested Pairings for Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

• Elevate Comfort Dining: Perfect Pairings
• Crisp Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the rich, hearty meatloaf and balance its robust flavors.
• Wine Companion: Select medium-bodied red wines like Zinfandel or Merlot that complement the meaty, cheesy casserole without overwhelming its delicate potato layers.
• Bright Vegetable Side: Roast asparagus or green beans with garlic and lemon zest to add fresh, zesty contrast against the creamy, indulgent main dish.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Pour crisp amber ale or light craft beer to cleanse the palate and enhance the savory, meaty profile of the casserole.

Storage Suggestions for Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add splash of milk to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for renewed flavor and moisture.

FAQs on Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef and pork with turkey, chicken, or a mix of ground meats. Just ensure the total weight remains the same for consistent texture.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains bread crumbs. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground meat, reduce cheese quantity, replace heavy cream with milk, and add more vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value.

Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 60-72 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole, a hearty dish blending classic American flavors. Melted cheese, crispy bacon, and creamy mashed potatoes create a satisfying meal that brings family and friends together at the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1/2 pound (227 grams) ground pork
• 1 large egg

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Combine ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, onion, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, blending thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Transfer meat mixture into prepared baking dish, pressing firmly to create a uniform layer covering the entire bottom surface.
4. Boil diced potatoes in salted water for 10-12 minutes until fork-tender, then drain completely.
5. Whip potatoes with sour cream and heavy cream until smooth, then fold in cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and sliced green onions, seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Carefully spread potato mixture over the meat layer, ensuring complete and even coverage.
7. Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese across the potato surface for extra richness.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbly, and internal temperature reaches 160°F for meat safety.
9. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef and pork to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish.
• Mix meats thoroughly but avoid overmixing to prevent a tough, dense texture.
• Drain potatoes completely to prevent watery mashed potato topping that could make casserole soggy.
• Customize protein options by substituting ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Allow casserole to rest 10 minutes after baking to help set and make slicing easier without falling apart.
• Enhance nutrition by adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the meat mixture.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking process and reduce day-of kitchen stress.

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-47 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg