Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole takes me right back to that long weekend we spent at my sister-in-law’s house in the foothills last fall. We were there with our kids and her family—four grown-ups, five teens, and a very energetic golden retriever named Max. It had rained nonstop the entire Saturday, so everyone was stuck inside, playing board games and raiding the pantry every hour.

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Around 4 p.m., her power flickered twice and we all collectively held our breath. That’s when we decided to start dinner before the lights disappeared for good. I offered to cook, mostly because I needed a break from the game of Uno that had turned weirdly competitive.

She had ground beef in the fridge, potatoes in the bin, and the usual dairy essentials, so I built this casserole on the fly. While I mashed the potatoes, her youngest, who swears he’s “grossed out” by anything “meaty”, snuck a spoonful, then came back for seconds after dinner.

We layered, baked, and served it family-style at the big wooden table, still warm from the oven and topped with a messy heap of green onions. No one even asked for dessert. That casserole became the quiet star of that rainy weekend. Sometimes, it’s not the scenery or the weather that makes the memory—it’s what’s on the plate when everyone gathers hungry.

Short Description

A comforting casserole combining seasoned meatloaf at the bottom, topped with mashed potatoes, cheddar, and green onions, baked until golden and bubbling.

Key Ingredients

Meatloaf Layer

1½ lb ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup whole milk
1 large egg
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup ketchup

Potato Layer & Topping

2 lb potatoes, peeled and sliced
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup milk
2 Tbsp butter
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup chopped green onions
Salt & pepper to taste

Tools Needed

9×13-inch baking dish
Large pot for boiling
Mixing bowl
Potato masher
Spoon or spatula
Cheese grater

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Meatloaf
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper until combined. Press into the bottom of a greased 9×13 dish. Spread ketchup evenly on top. Bake 25 minutes.

Step 2: Cook Potatoes
While meatloaf bakes, boil potato slices in salted water until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain.

Step 3: Mash Potatoes
Mash potatoes with sour cream, milk, and butter until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake
Remove meatloaf base from oven. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top. Sprinkle cheddar and green onions. Return to oven and bake 20 minutes. Then bake 10 more minutes until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbly.

Step 5: Rest & Serve
Let rest 10 minutes. Slice into squares and serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Combo: Meatloaf and mashed potatoes in one satisfying dish

Easy to Prep: Uses basic ingredients most families have on hand

Kid-Approved: Familiar flavors everyone enjoys

One-Bake Wonder: Minimal cleanup and big payoff

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble early, bake when ready

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Soggy Potatoes
Issue: Too much liquid in mash.
Solution: Drain potatoes well and use firm mashed consistency.

Dry Meat Base
Issue: Meatloaf dries during bake.
Solution: Don’t overmix the beef; keep ketchup layer intact.

Uneven Potato Layer
Issue: Thin spots that dry out.
Solution: Spread mash firmly and evenly with a spatula.

Burnt Cheese Topping
Issue: Top browns too fast.
Solution: Cover with foil the final 5 minutes if needed.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with a side of steamed green beans or broccoli

Add a fresh tossed salad for lighter balance

Great for potlucks: bake in disposable pan and bring warm

Slice into squares buffet-style for a casual family meal

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container, up to 3 days

Freeze: Slice into portions, wrap, and freeze up to 1 month

Reheat (Oven): 350°F for 15–20 minutes until warm

Reheat (Microwave): Heat in 2-minute intervals until hot

FAQs

1. Can I substitute breadcrumbs?
Yes, use crushed crackers or oats in an equal amount.

2. Can I use sweet potatoes?
Absolutely, just mash them with the same dairy and seasonings.

3. Is ground turkey or chicken okay?
Yes, but it may be drier, add an extra egg or splash of milk.

4. Can I prepare it ahead?
Sure, assemble it, refrigerate, and bake later, adding 5–10 min to bake time.

5. What other toppings work?
Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack or adding crispy bacon bits.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t over mix meat, tender meatloaf will hold juices better

Peel potatoes early and place in water to prevent discoloration

Use warm mashed potatoes to create a smooth top layer

Let the casserole rest before slicing for cleaner cuts

Sprinkle extra green onions after baking for color and freshness

Recipe Variations

1. Southwestern Twist
Add ½ cup corn and ½ cup black beans to potato mash. Top with pepper jack cheese and cilantro.

2. Bacon & Cheddar Upgrade
Mix cooked bacon bits into mashed potatoes and use extra sharp cheddar.

3. Veggie Boost
Stir in cooked spinach and mushrooms into meat mixture for extra nutrients.

4. BBQ Flavor
Swap ketchup layer for BBQ sauce and mix chipotle powder into mash for smoky flavor.

5. Cauliflower Mash Top
Replace mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower for a low-carb version; bake the same.

Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole