Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step is crucial because you want that golden, crispy top without anything sticking to the bottom.
- Mix the meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands or a spoon to mix it all together, but don’t overwork the meat, or it could get tough. I’ve learned that the hard way—gently does it!
- Press the meat mixture into the dish: Once everything is well-mixed, press the meatloaf mixture evenly into your greased baking dish. Make sure it’s nice and level so the mashed potatoes will spread on top smoothly.
- Add the mashed potatoes: Now, spread your mashed potatoes over the meat layer. You want a nice, even layer of creamy potatoes to cover the meatloaf fully. If your potatoes are a little stiff, you can warm them up slightly or add a splash of milk to make them easier to spread.
- Top with cheese, bacon, and green onions: Sprinkle on your shredded cheddar, followed by the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. I love how colorful this looks before it even hits the oven—almost too pretty to eat (almost!).
- Bake it up: Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the meat is cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are golden brown and your kitchen smells like pure comfort food heaven.
- Let it rest: Once out of the oven, give it a few minutes to cool slightly before slicing. Trust me, I’ve cut into it too soon before, and it tends to fall apart. Just a bit of patience, and you’ll be rewarded with perfect slices.
Notes
Serving it up with style
This casserole is super hearty on its own, but if you’re looking to make it a full meal, I love serving it with a side salad or some roasted vegetables. It adds a bit of freshness to balance the richness. For a pop of color, try sprinkling extra green onions or fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) on top before serving.
As for plating, this dish doesn’t need to be fancy, but I like serving it in big squares with all the layers visible—meat, potatoes, and that glorious cheesy topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner