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Loaded Potato And Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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Try this Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole for a comforting, hearty meal. Savory meatloaf, creamy potatoes, bacon, and cheese – all in one dish!

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 1x

Ingredients

Scale

A Breakdown of the Meatloaf Layer

  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef or turkey: This forms the base of the meatloaf. You can use either beef or turkey depending on your preference.
  • ½ cup finely chopped white onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and flavor to the meatloaf.
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic: For a punch of garlicky goodness.
  • 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf together and adds flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a rich umami taste to the meat.
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten: Helps bind the ingredients.
  • ⅓ cup cottage cheese: This adds moisture and tenderness to the meatloaf.
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce: Adds sweetness and a slight tang to balance out the meat.

Creating the Creamy Potato Layer

  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced: The star of the potato layer. Russet or Yukon gold work best.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter: For richness and a creamy texture.
  • ½ cup sour cream: Adds a slight tang and makes the mashed potatoes extra creamy.
  • ½ cup warm milk or half-and-half: Ensures the potatoes are smooth and easy to spread.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt: To season the potatoes.
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: For just the right amount of seasoning.

Toppings That Elevate the Dish

  • 6 slices thick bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds a salty, crispy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes.
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the top of the casserole, adding gooeyness and extra flavor.

Instructions

Preparing the Meatloaf Layer

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix the meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, seasoned bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, beaten egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until well combined.
  3. Shape and bake: Press the meat mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Bake the meatloaf layer for 25 minutes until it’s partially cooked through and firm.

Mastering the Potato Layer

  1. Boil the potatoes: While the meatloaf is baking, place the diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
  2. Mash the potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, sour cream, warm milk, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together until the potatoes are creamy and smooth.

Assembling and Baking Your Casserole

  1. Layer the potatoes: After the meatloaf layer has baked for 25 minutes, spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  2. Add toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
  3. Final bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Notes

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve the Casserole

This dish is filling and hearty, so it pairs well with a light green salad or roasted vegetables. Serve it hot, straight from the oven, ensuring each slice has a bit of every layer.

Creative Presentation Ideas

For a family-style presentation, serve directly from the casserole dish, or if you want to impress your guests, cut the casserole into neat squares and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions.

  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner