Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole

The beauty of Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole lies in the way it brings together two comfort food classics into one glorious dish. The creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes nestled under a hearty layer of savory meatloaf create a meal that feels like a big, warm hug. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell like home—rich and inviting, with the scents of garlic, onions, and sizzling beef filling the air as it bakes. And let’s not forget about that crispy, golden topping! Every bite is a perfect balance of creamy potatoes, tender meat, and just the right amount of cheese to make you want to go back for seconds (or thirds!).

What I love most about this casserole is how customizable it is. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can toss in some extras like sautéed mushrooms, or even a handful of crispy bacon bits for that extra pop of flavor. The best part is that it feeds a crowd and has the kind of comforting leftovers that taste even better the next day. The leftovers always seem to disappear faster than I expect, and I’m sure you’ll find the same when you try it out. So go ahead—mix up those flavors, layer them just right, and let the casserole magic happen!

Key Ingredients in Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole

Each ingredient plays a vital role in bringing this casserole to life. Together, they combine to create layers of flavor, texture, and comfort that will have you coming back for more. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish so irresistible:

• Ground Beef: The hearty base of this casserole, ground beef adds richness and savory depth to the dish. Its flavors meld beautifully with the potatoes and spices, making it the star of the show.
• Potatoes: These are the heart of the loaded potatoes part of the casserole. Creamy and soft when mashed, they provide a comforting, filling texture that pairs perfectly with the seasoned meat.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melted on top, the cheddar cheese brings that gooey, cheesy goodness that makes every bite indulgent. Its sharp, tangy flavor complements the richness of the potatoes and meat.
• Milk: Used to smooth out the mashed potatoes, milk creates a creamy texture that helps bind everything together without overpowering the flavors.
• Sour Cream: Adding a touch of tang, sour cream lightens up the dish, giving the mashed potatoes a smooth, velvety texture while balancing the richness of the meatloaf layer.
• Bread Crumbs: These give the meatloaf a little crunch on top, adding texture and helping to hold the meat mixture together. They also help absorb some of the moisture from the meat.
• Ketchup: A classic meatloaf ingredient, ketchup gives the casserole a sweet, tangy flavor that enhances the savory beef and balances out the richness of the other ingredients.
• Onion: Finely chopped and sautéed, onions bring a mild sweetness and depth to the dish, complementing the savory beef and adding a bit of warmth.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the casserole with an aromatic richness that’s impossible to resist. It adds a savory kick that works beautifully with the beef and potatoes.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a bold, umami-packed flavor that enhances the depth of the beef and helps to create that satisfying savory flavor we all love in meatloaf.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, olive oil ensures the onions and garlic cook evenly, bringing out their sweetness and aromatics before they go into the casserole.
• Salt: A necessary seasoning to bring out all the other flavors. It helps to balance the richness of the meat and creaminess of the potatoes.
• Black Pepper: Adding just the right amount of heat and seasoning, black pepper brings a subtle bite that complements the savory and creamy elements in the dish.
• Dried Thyme: This herb adds an earthy, slightly floral note that pairs well with the beef and potatoes, enhancing the comforting nature of the casserole.
• Paprika: A touch of paprika adds a mild smokiness and color to the dish, elevating its flavor profile without being overpowering.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A little heat goes a long way in this casserole. The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, balancing the richness with a hint of spice that’ll keep your taste buds engaged.

Each of these ingredients has a specific role to play, working in harmony to create a meal that’s bold, comforting, and delicious.

How to Make Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole

Serving Suggestions for Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole

1. A Simple Side Salad: Pair this rich casserole with a crisp, refreshing side salad. A mix of greens like spinach or arugula, topped with a light vinaigrette, will add a burst of freshness and balance out the heaviness of the dish. Plus, the crunch from the veggies is a perfect contrast to the creamy layers of the casserole.

2. Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with garlic bread when you’re serving a comforting dish like this! The buttery, garlicky crunch of the bread complements the creamy potatoes and savory meatloaf, making each bite even more indulgent. Toast it until golden brown for that irresistible crunch!

3. Pickled Veggies: If you’re looking to add a little zing to the meal, serve up some tangy pickled vegetables on the side. The acidity of pickles or pickled onions cuts through the richness of the casserole and adds a pop of flavor that’s both surprising and delightful.

I’d love to hear what side dishes you end up pairing with your casserole—do you have any favorite combos that make it even more special?

How to Store Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and I’m sure you will—this dish is a crowd-pleaser!), storing your casserole properly will keep it just as delicious the next day. First, make sure the casserole has cooled down to room temperature before storing it. You don’t want to trap steam inside, as that can make it soggy. Once it’s cooled, you can either cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the fridge. Stored this way, it will last for about 3 to 4 days, ready to be reheated for a comforting meal later on.

If you want to keep the casserole for a longer period, freezing is a great option. After cooling, simply wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. When stored in the freezer, it’ll stay good for up to 3 months. To reheat, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake it at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until it’s warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. The flavors will meld even more, and it might taste like you’ve just made it fresh!

For smaller portions or quick reheats, individual servings can also be stored in airtight containers. These smaller portions are perfect for grabbing a bite whenever you need something hearty but don’t want to cook. Just pop them in the microwave for a quick, satisfying meal. No matter how you store it, this casserole stays delicious and ready to comfort you at any time.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it—the ultimate comfort food casserole that combines the best of both worlds: loaded potatoes and savory meatloaf. It’s a dish that’s sure to warm you from the inside out and bring smiles to the table. From the rich, cheesy mashed potatoes to the perfectly seasoned beef, every bite is like a cozy, homey hug.

What I love about this recipe is how customizable it is—whether you’re tossing in a handful of crispy bacon bits, some sautéed mushrooms, or even experimenting with different cheeses, the possibilities are endless! And let’s not forget how great it is for feeding a crowd or having some irresistible leftovers that taste even better the next day. This casserole truly is a winner!

If you decide to give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear all about how it turned out. Feel free to share your own twist on the recipe or any feedback you might have—I’m always excited to hear from fellow home cooks. And if you ever need help along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out. After all, cooking is about experimenting and having fun!

So, enjoy your Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole—trust me, your taste buds will thank you. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole

Author: Lily Anderson Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 1 hr Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Calories: 600

Description

This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Tender meatloaf nestled between layers of creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a savory gravy—every bite is a hearty, mouthwatering combination of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 pounds ground beef

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup milk

• ¹⁄₂ cup sour cream

• ¹⁄₂ cup bread crumbs

• ¹⁄₄ cup ketchup

• ¹⁄₄ cup finely chopped onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon dried thyme

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon paprika

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet.
4. Sauté the onion and garlic until they become soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic.
6. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 8 to 10 minutes.
7. Drain any excess fat from the beef and set the mixture aside.
8. In a large pot, add the diced potatoes and cover them with water.
9. Bring the pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook the potatoes until they are tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
10. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
11. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher until they are smooth.
12. Stir in the milk, sour cream, salt, black pepper, thyme, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes into the mashed potatoes.
13. Mix everything thoroughly until the potatoes are creamy and seasoned.
14. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray.
15. Spread half of the mashed potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
16. Top the mashed potatoes with the cooked ground beef mixture, spreading it out evenly.
17. Cover the beef layer with the remaining mashed potatoes, smoothing them into an even layer.
18. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
19. In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup.
20. Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the cheese.
21. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
22. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Note

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version.
• For extra flavor, add some grated Parmesan cheese to the mashed potatoes.
• Consider using russet potatoes for a fluffier texture or Yukon Gold for a creamier mash.
• To make it spicier, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.

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