Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole combines the comfort of creamy mashed potatoes with juicy, flavorful meatloaf in one hearty dish. Topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese, and seasoned with BBQ sauce and Worcestershire, this casserole is a family-friendly dinner perfect for cozy nights.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Meatloaf:
  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef or turkey
  • ½ cup finely chopped white onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • ⅓ cup cottage cheese
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
• For the Mashed Potatoes:
  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup warm milk or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Toppings:
  • 6 slices thick bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef or turkey, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan.
3. Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes, then remove it from the oven and drain any excess grease.
4. While the meatloaf bakes, boil the diced potatoes in water over medium heat until tender. Drain the potatoes, add butter, and mash using a hand mixer until smooth. Mix in sour cream, warm milk, salt, and pepper.
5. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
6. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the potatoes are heated through and the cheese is melted.
7. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.

Nutrients

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 5 g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole delivers everything you could want in a comfort-food dish. It’s flavorful, hearty, and packed with layers of satisfying ingredients. Here’s why it stands out:

• All-in-One Meal: This casserole combines protein, carbs, and savory toppings into one convenient dish, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
• Rich and Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The layer of creamy mashed potatoes balances the bold flavors of the meatloaf while adding a luxurious texture.
• Family-Friendly: With classic flavors and indulgent toppings like cheddar cheese and bacon, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole is easy to assemble ahead of time and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers or batch cooking.
• Customizable: The recipe offers flexibility—switch up the protein, add extra veggies, or experiment with different cheeses and seasonings to suit your taste.

Key Features of Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

• Juicy, Flavorful Meatloaf: The meatloaf layer is seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, garlic, and onions, giving it a rich, savory taste. The addition of cottage cheese adds moisture and a creamy texture, ensuring the meatloaf stays juicy.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Buttery mashed potatoes with sour cream and warm milk create a smooth, velvety layer that perfectly complements the meatloaf.
• Crispy Bacon and Cheddar Cheese: The toppings elevate this casserole, adding a satisfying crunch from the bacon and a gooey, cheesy finish from the melted cheddar.
• Tangy BBQ Flavor: A touch of BBQ sauce adds a sweet and tangy element that balances the richness of the dish.
• One-Pan Convenience: Everything is baked in a single dish, minimizing cleanup while delivering maximum flavor.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Highlights

While indulgent, this casserole also provides a range of nutrients:

• Protein-Rich: Packed with ground beef or turkey, bacon, and cheese, this dish is an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle repair and sustained energy.
• Carb Energy: The mashed potatoes provide complex carbohydrates for energy, making the dish filling and satisfying.
• Essential Vitamins and Minerals: Potatoes contribute potassium and vitamin C, while cheddar cheese adds calcium for strong bones.
• Customizable Nutritional Profile: By using lean ground turkey, reduced-fat cheese, or adding extra vegetables, you can adjust the recipe to meet your dietary goals.

Tips for the Best Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

To make this recipe truly shine, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Lean Ground Meat: Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to reduce the fat content while keeping the meatloaf flavorful and juicy.
• Mash Potatoes Smoothly: For creamy mashed potatoes, ensure the potatoes are fully cooked and mash them while they’re still hot. A hand mixer or potato ricer works best for a smooth texture.
• Layer Evenly: Spread each layer evenly for consistent flavors and textures in every bite.
• Crisp the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy for a crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy mashed potatoes.
• Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Serving Suggestions

Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments:

• Fresh Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad or coleslaw to balance the richness of the casserole with fresh, crunchy textures.
• Vegetable Side: Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots add color and additional nutrients to the meal.
• Dinner Rolls: Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for soaking up the delicious juices from the casserole.
• Pickles or Relish: Add a tangy element to the meal with pickles or relish on the side.

Variations to Try

This casserole is highly adaptable, allowing you to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Here are some ideas to customize the recipe:

• Switch Up the Protein: Use ground chicken, pork, or a plant-based ground meat substitute for a different twist.
• Add Veggies: Incorporate diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or chopped spinach into the meatloaf layer for added nutrition.
• Try Sweet Potatoes: Substitute regular potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutrient-rich option.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack cheese.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the meatloaf mixture for a spicy version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make the casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This casserole is perfect for meal prep and storing leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Cover with aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
• Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Allow the casserole to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Conclusion

Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a warm, comforting dish that brings people together around the table. With its combination of juicy, flavorful meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese, this casserole checks all the boxes for a satisfying dinner.