Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

When I first pulled this casserole out of the oven, I knew it would be an instant family favorite. The smell alone was incredible, a perfect blend of savory meatloaf and cheesy potatoes. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, combining two classic comfort foods into one amazing dish.

I created this as a twist on shepherd’s pie, and honestly, I think this version is even better. It’s hearty, satisfying, and brings everyone to the table with a smile.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a truly spectacular meal. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is important.

For the Meatloaf

• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef: Using lean beef (90/10) prevents the casserole from becoming too greasy, but still provides plenty of flavor.
• ½ cup chopped white onion: This adds a foundational sweet and savory flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic. It offers a much better punch than garlic powder.
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs: These act as a binder, helping the meatloaf hold its shape while keeping it moist.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: This is my secret weapon for adding a deep, umami flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten: The egg helps bind all the meatloaf ingredients together.
• ⅓ cup cottage cheese: Trust me on this one. You won’t taste it, but it’s an old trick to ensure your meatloaf is incredibly moist.
• ½ cup BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand! This adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that works so well with the meatloaf.

For the Loaded Potatoes

• 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and diced: Russets are ideal for mashing because their high starch content makes them light and fluffy.
• ½ cup butter: This adds richness and a creamy texture to the mashed potatoes.
• ½ cup sour cream: Brings a slight tang and extra creaminess, making the potatoes truly “loaded.”
• ½ cup warm milk: Using warm milk helps it incorporate smoothly into the potatoes without cooling them down.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: For a little bit of warmth and spice.
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled: Cooking the bacon until it’s crispy provides a great textural contrast.
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded: I always recommend grating your own cheese from a block. It melts much better than pre-shredded varieties.

Note: This recipe makes enough for several servings, perfect for a family dinner with leftovers.

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Go Low-Carb: Swap the regular potatoes for mashed cauliflower. It’s a delicious and healthier alternative that still gives you a creamy topping.
• Italian Twist: Instead of BBQ sauce, use your favorite marinara sauce in the meatloaf. Add a teaspoon of dried oregano and basil for an Italian-inspired flavor.
• Add More Veggies: Sneak in some extra nutrients by adding a layer of steamed peas and carrots on top of the meatloaf before spreading on the mashed potatoes.
• Spice It Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture or use a spicy BBQ sauce.

Cooking Time

This recipe comes together without too much hands-on time, making it great for a weeknight.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Equipment You Need

You won’t need any fancy gadgets to make this casserole. Here are the basics:

• 9×13 inch baking dish: The perfect size for baking the casserole evenly.
• Large mixing bowl: For combining the meatloaf ingredients without making a mess.
• Medium saucepan: To boil the potatoes until they are tender.
• Hand mixer or potato masher: For creating smooth and creamy mashed potatoes.
• Spatula: For spreading the meatloaf and potato layers evenly in the dish.

How to Make Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole?

This recipe involves a couple of components, but the process is straightforward. By preparing the potatoes while the meatloaf bakes, you can save time and get dinner on the table faster. It’s all about simple layers of flavor that come together beautifully in the oven.

Prepare the Meatloaf Base

First, preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce. 

Mix everything together with your hands or a spoon, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Bake the Meatloaf and Cook the Potatoes

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. While the meatloaf is baking, it’s time to prepare the potatoes. Put the diced potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover them with water. 

Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This is also a great time to cook your bacon if you haven’t already.

Mash the Potatoes and Assemble the Casserole

Once the potatoes are tender, drain the water completely. Add the butter to the hot potatoes and mash them until smooth using a potato masher or a hand mixer. Next, mix in the sour cream, warm milk, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined and creamy. 

When the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, carefully remove it from the oven and pour off any excess grease. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meatloaf, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the potatoes.

Final Bake and Serve

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This final bake time is just to melt the cheese and heat everything through, allowing the flavors to meld together. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made this a few times now, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make a difference.

• I can’t stress this enough: grate your own cheddar cheese. It’s a small step, but it makes the cheesy topping so much creamier and avoids the anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded cheese.
• When mixing the meatloaf, I find that using my hands is the best way to combine everything gently. Overworking the meat will result in a dry, dense meatloaf, and nobody wants that.
• To get perfectly crispy bacon, I like to bake it in the oven on a wire rack while the meatloaf is cooking. It’s less messy than pan-frying and ensures even cooking.
• Let the casserole rest for at least 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This helps the layers set, making it much easier to cut and serve clean slices.

How to Serve Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole?

This casserole is a showstopper on its own, but a few simple touches can make it even better. For a pop of color and fresh flavor, garnish individual servings with freshly chopped chives or parsley. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a side of steamed vegetables like green beans or roasted asparagus.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving for this recipe.

• Calories: 707 kcal
• Protein: 44g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fat: 38g

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish is perfect for preparing in advance, which is a lifesaver on busy weeks. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy it for days to come.

Storing

To store leftovers, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully. You can freeze the entire dish or individual portions. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight if it was frozen. Place it in an oven-safe dish and bake at 375°F until heated through, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are just a few reasons why this loaded potato and meatloaf casserole will become a staple in your home.

• Ultimate Comfort Food: It combines two beloved classics—meatloaf and loaded potatoes—into one hearty and satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. The familiar flavors of cheesy potatoes, savory meatloaf, and crispy bacon are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Great for Meal Prep: You can assemble the entire casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or for feeding a crowd.
• Customizable and Versatile: It’s easy to tweak this recipe to your liking. You can switch up the cheese, add vegetables, or use ground turkey instead of beef to fit your family’s preferences.