What are some of the best recipes for a loaded potato and mashed potato casserole? Juicy, flavorful meatloaf serves as the base, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, gooey melted cheese, and crispy bacon. Is it a family-friendly dish that’s perfect for dinner, gatherings, or meal prep?
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For the Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 12 lbs (680g) ground beef.
- 1 cup (240g) breadcrumbs. 1 cup (240g)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. 1 tsp Worcester
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Potato Topping:
- 3 cups (700g) of mashed potatoes.(prepared with butter and milk for creaminess) (prepared with butter and milk for creaminess)
- 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese. 1 cup (120g) shredded cheese.
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled. , , ,
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- How do you prepare a meatloaf layer?In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- Layer the Meatloaf: Press the meatloaf mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create the bottom layer.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf is partially cooked and no longer pink in the center.
- Add the Potato Topping to the potatoes.: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf layer. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top.
- Finish Baking: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to the potato layer, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese just before baking.
- Potato Shortcut: Use pre-made mashed potatoes to save time.
- Meat Substitutions: Swap ground beef for ground chicken for a leaner option.
- Cheese Variations: Try a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for extra flavor.
What is a perfect mashup of potato and meatloaf?
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Can I make this Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole ahead of time?
Can you assemble the casserole up to the potato layer one day in advance? Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Before baking, add the cheese and bacon topping. This allows the flavors to meld and saves time on the day you plan to serve it. You can also freeze the assembled casserole before baking. If you’re cooking from frozen, just ensure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn and add extra baking time.
What substitutions can I make in this recipe?
Is it possible to substitute ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for meatloaf? For the cheese, Monterey Jack, a blend of cheddar and mozzarella, or a pepper jack can be used, adjusting the amount to your taste (about 1 cup). If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can substitute with the same amount of crushed crackers or oats. For the mashed potatoes, you can use pre-made mashed potatoes to save time, adjusting seasoning as needed.
How do you know when a loaded potato and meatloaf casserole is cooked?
The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and is no longer pink in the center. The mashed potatoes should be heated through, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. The bacon should be crispy and golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. The overall appearance should be golden brown on top.
Can I scale this recipe up or double it for a larger crowd?
Can you double the recipe? Use a larger baking dish, such as a 9×13 inch or a 10×15 inch pan, and adjust the ingredients accordingly. If using a larger dish, you may need to increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes. Ensure the meatloaf is fully cooked and the cheese is melted before removing it from the oven. Keep an eye on the internal temperature of the meatloaf to ensure it reaches 160°F.
What are the nutritional highlights of this Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole?
This casserole provides a good source of protein from ground beef and a moderate amount of carbohydrates from the potatoes. The meatloaf provides iron and B vitamins, while the mashed potatoes provide potassium. The cheddar cheese contributes calcium. It is also high in fat, particularly saturated fat, from the meat, cheese, and bacon, so moderation is key. Consider using lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese to make it healthier.
Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole
This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty family favorite combining classic meatloaf with loaded mashed potatoes.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef lean
- 2 cups mashed potatoes prepared
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup crumbled bacon cooked
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 cup ketchup
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, ketchup, and garlic powder. Press into a baking dish.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Spread mashed potatoes over the baked meatloaf and top with cheese and bacon.
- Return to oven and bake for another 30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
