This casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the savory goodness of meatloaf with the creamy, cheesy delight of loaded mashed potatoes.
With layers of hearty meat, fluffy garlic potatoes, melted cheddar, and crispy bacon, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Perfect for cozy family dinners or sharing at potlucks, this recipe is easy to make and impossible to resist.
Try it once, and it might just become your go-to comfort meal!
Ingredients
For the meatloaf layer:
- 1 lb ground beef, extra lean
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup seasoned Italian bread crumbs
- 1 egg
For the potato topping:
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ cup milk
- 1 (4 oz) package garlic-flavored instant mashed potatoes
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese blend, shredded
- ¼ cup real bacon bits
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Boil water and milk in a saucepan, then stir in instant mashed potatoes. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, bread crumbs, and egg. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Press the meat mixture evenly into an 8-inch square baking dish to form the base.
Step 4: Spread prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the meat layer using a rubber spatula.
Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes and top with bacon bits.
Step 6: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10 more minutes. Cool slightly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used as substitutes, though flavors and textures may vary.
2. Can I use homemade mashed potatoes instead of instant?
Absolutely, substitute with 2 cups of homemade mashed potatoes and spread as directed.
3. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
4. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
5. How can I make this casserole spicier?
Mix chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes into the meat mixture or sprinkle on top.
Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole
Ingredients
For the meatloaf layer:
- 1 lb ground beef extra lean
- ½ cup onion diced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup seasoned Italian bread crumbs
- 1 egg
For the potato topping:
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ cup milk
- 1 package garlic-flavored instant mashed potatoes 4 oz
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese blend shredded
- ¼ cup real bacon bits
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Boil water and milk in a saucepan, then stir in instant mashed potatoes. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, bread crumbs, and egg. Mix until well combined.
- Press the meat mixture evenly into an 8-inch square baking dish to form the base.
- Spread prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the meat layer using a rubber spatula.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes and top with bacon bits.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10 more minutes. Cool slightly before serving.
