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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- 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.
- Transfer meat mixture into prepared baking dish, pressing firmly to create a uniform layer covering the entire bottom surface.
- Boil diced potatoes in salted water for 10-12 minutes until fork-tender, then drain completely.
- 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.
- Carefully spread potato mixture over the meat layer, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese across the potato surface for extra richness.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbly, and internal temperature reaches 160°F for meat safety.
- 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