Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole
This Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole combines the best of both worlds: savory meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. It’s the ultimate comfort food for family dinners, and the easy-to-make recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes (30 minutes covered + 10 minutes uncovered)
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef, extra lean
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup seasoned Italian bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 (4 oz) package garlic-flavored instant mashed potatoes
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese blend, shredded
- 1/4 cup real bacon bits
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: In a medium saucepan, bring water and milk to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the garlic-flavored instant mashed potato powder. Set aside.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced onions, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix together using your hands.
- Add the Bread Crumbs and Egg: Add the seasoned Italian bread crumbs and egg to the meat mixture. Continue mixing with your hands until fully combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Press the meat mixture evenly into an 8-inch square baking dish. Spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the meat using a rubber spatula.
- Top with Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes, followed by the real bacon bits.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute regular mashed potatoes if you prefer not to use instant potatoes.
- For added flavor, feel free to top the casserole with green onions or chives before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- For a spicy kick, add a bit of hot sauce to the meat mixture or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of the casserole)
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg