Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Do you remember those classic meatloaf dinners that filled your home with warmth and savory aromas? Now, imagine combining that beloved family favorite with cheesy, bacon-loaded mashed potatoes. This Loaded Meatloaf Casserole brings together two iconic comfort foods into one incredible dish.

It is hearty, deeply satisfying, and perfect for gathering your loved ones around the table. Get ready to create new memories with this wonderfully easy and comforting classic.

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

This delicious Loaded Meatloaf Casserole will quickly become a cherished recipe in your kitchen, simplifying mealtime and maximizing flavor.

• One-pan convenience: Prepare and bake everything in a single dish, significantly cutting down on post-dinner cleanup.
• A crowd-pleasing, family-favorite meal: This dish appeals to all ages, making it a guaranteed hit for any gathering or a simple weeknight dinner.
• Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep: Assemble it ahead of time or enjoy the generous leftovers for quick, comforting meals throughout the week.
• Combines two beloved comfort foods: Experience the best of both worlds with savory meatloaf and rich, loaded mashed potatoes in every bite.
• Simple, straightforward ingredients and steps: Even beginner cooks will find this recipe approachable and rewarding to prepare.

Ingredients

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. We focus on flavors that truly bring comfort home.

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

For the Loaded Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 slices thick bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this comforting meatloaf bake to fit your family’s preferences or pantry staples. Feel free to explore these simple swaps. For the ground meat, consider ground turkey, pork, or a savory mix of beef and pork. If you do not have breadcrumbs, old-fashioned rolled oats or crushed crackers work just as well.

Monterey Jack or colby cheese are fantastic alternatives to cheddar for the topping. For a dairy-free mashed potato, use plant-based butter and milk, along with a dairy-free sour cream alternative. Whether you use your cherished homemade BBQ sauce or a trusted store-bought variety, the flavor will shine.

Equipment

Making this hearty meatloaf dish is straightforward, requiring just a few basic kitchen tools you likely already own. You will need a 9×13 inch baking pan for assembling and baking the casserole. Gather a couple of large mixing bowls for combining ingredients. A pot for boiling potatoes is essential, and a hand mixer (though optional) makes the potatoes wonderfully smooth. Don’t forget your measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.

How To Make Loaded Meatloaf Casserole

Creating this comforting Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is a joyful journey, bringing simple ingredients together for a truly satisfying family meal. Just follow these steps, and you will be enjoying a deeply flavorful dinner.

1. Prep Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. This prepares your canvas for this delicious dish.
   
2. Combine Meatloaf: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, seasoned bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, lightly beaten egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce. Mix everything thoroughly but avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
   
3. Form Meatloaf Base: Transfer the meat mixture into your prepared baking pan. Press it evenly across the bottom, forming a solid base for your casserole.
   
4. Initial Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This ensures the meatloaf begins to cook through, setting its shape.
   
5. Cook Potatoes: While the meatloaf bakes, peel and dice your potatoes. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
   
6. Mash Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes completely. Return them to the pot or transfer to a large bowl. Add the unsalted butter and mash until smooth. A hand mixer makes this process wonderfully quick and creates a perfectly creamy consistency.
   
7. Finish Mash: Now, fold in the sour cream, half-and-half, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well-combined, creating a rich and flavorful potato topping for your Loaded Meatloaf Casserole.
   
8. Drain Grease: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Gently tilt the pan to one side and spoon or pour off any excess grease that has accumulated. This step prevents your casserole from becoming too oily.
   
9. Layer Casserole: Evenly spread the mashed potato mixture over the partially baked meatloaf. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to create a smooth, inviting layer.
   
10. Add Toppings: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes. Then, scatter the crumbled cooked bacon over the cheese, adding that irresistible crispy, savory element.
    
11. Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 15 minutes. Bake until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the mashed potatoes are thoroughly heated through.
    
12. Rest & Serve: Once out of the oven, let the Loaded Meatloaf Casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect Loaded Meatloaf Casserole involves a few simple tricks that make all the difference.

• Meatloaf Texture: Avoid overmixing your ground beef ingredients; a light hand ensures the meatloaf remains tender and juicy, not dense.
• Perfect Mash: Ensure your potatoes are very well-drained after boiling. Excess water can make your mashed potatoes watery instead of creamy.
• Cheese Melt: For the best, most even melt, always shred a block of cheese yourself instead of buying pre-shredded varieties. They melt more smoothly.
• Even Cooking: Baking the meatloaf layer fully first prevents the casserole from becoming soggy underneath and ensures a perfectly cooked meatloaf.
• Resting Time: Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps it set. This makes slicing neat and prevents the layers from falling apart.
• Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of savory depth, sauté your chopped onions until caramelized before adding them to the meatloaf mixture.
• Preventing Dryness: Be mindful not to overcook the meatloaf during the initial bake or the final casserole bake. Overcooking can lead to a dry texture.

For optimal food safety, the USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile Loaded Meatloaf Casserole shines in many ways, from serving it fresh to transforming its leftovers.

Serving Suggestions: This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides. Consider steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette to complement its richness. A side of warm cornbread can also be a delightful addition.

Storage: Store any leftover portions of your ultimate meatloaf recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This ensures they stay fresh and delicious for future meals.

Reheating: To warm individual portions, use the microwave on medium power until heated through. For larger amounts, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed.

Freezing: This casserole freezes wonderfully. Freeze individual slices or entire portions in freezer-safe containers for convenient, quick meals on busy days. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Spicy Twist: For those who love a little heat, swap regular BBQ sauce for chipotle BBQ sauce and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

Hidden Veggies: Easily boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor by mixing in frozen corn, peas, or finely diced bell peppers into the meatloaf or mashed potato layers.

Sweet Potato Topping: For a subtly different flavor profile, swap the regular mashed potatoes for creamy mashed sweet potatoes.

Italian Style: Transform this into an Italian-inspired dish by using marinara sauce in the meatloaf, topping with mozzarella, and adding Italian herbs to the mashed potatoes.

Kid-Friendly Ideas: Get the little ones involved! Let kids help sprinkle the cheese and bacon toppings. Offer a side of their favorite ketchup for dipping.

Leftover Remixes: Don’t let a single bite go to waste. Use leftover Loaded Meatloaf Casserole to stuff bell peppers, create a quick shepherd’s pie by adding a layer of vegetables, or even chop it up for a hearty breakfast hash with a fried egg on top.

Nutrition

Understanding the nutritional value of your favorite dishes helps you enjoy them mindfully. This Loaded Meatloaf Casserole offers a balanced profile of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a substantial meal.

Here is the approximate nutritional information per serving (assuming 8 servings per casserole):

The addition of cottage cheese to meatloaf can enhance both its moisture and nutritional value, as discussed in various culinary resources.

Please note that daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual needs may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You might have a few questions as you prepare to make this delightful family meal. Here are some common inquiries about our Loaded Meatloaf Casserole.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Meatloaf Casserole truly embodies the heart of simple, joyful cooking and family connection. It brings together the familiar comfort of meatloaf with the irresistible goodness of loaded mashed potatoes, all in one easy dish.
We hope this recipe inspires you to gather your loved ones around the table, sharing stories and making new memories. Embrace the warmth and ease of this ultimate meatloaf recipe, and do not forget to share your delicious creations with us! Happy cooking!

Dominique

Loaded Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate One-Pan Comfort Food Dinner

This comforting one-pan casserole features a savory meatloaf base topped with creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a hearty and satisfying dinner perfect for feeding a crowd.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 750

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meatloaf Mixture

• 2 pounds hamburger
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large egg lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Mashed Potato Topping

• 2 pounds potatoes peeled and diced
• 1 stick butter
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Casserole Topping

• 6 slices bacon thick, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Equipment

• 9×13-inch Baking Pan
• Large bowl
• Pan
• Hand mixer

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, seasoned bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, beaten egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce.

Cooking the Meatloaf and Potatoes

1. Spread the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Concurrently, place diced potatoes in water and cook over medium heat until tender, then drain.
3. Add butter to the cooked potatoes and mash until smooth, then mix in sour cream, half-and-half, salt, and black pepper.

Assembling and Finishing the Casserole

1. After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully drain any excess grease.
2. Layer the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
3. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, ensuring potatoes are heated and cheese is melted.
4. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Remember to drain excess grease from the meatloaf after the initial bake to prevent a soggy casserole. Allow the casserole to cool briefly before serving for easier slicing and to prevent burns.

Dominique

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Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.

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