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If your dinner routine is crying out for something hearty, homey, and downright satisfying, this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is here to save the day (and your sanity). This dish is pure comfort food — rich, cheesy, and layered with love. Imagine the coziness of classic meatloaf and mashed potatoes, but stacked together into a warm, bubbling casserole that’s practically begging for a spot at your dinner table.
Whether you’re feeding a family of picky eaters or just want something soul-soothing after a long workday, this casserole hits all the right notes. It’s a feel-good favorite that doesn’t require any fancy techniques or hours in the kitchen — just simple ingredients and a little layering magic.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole
First of all, can we talk about how genius it is to combine meatloaf and mashed potatoes in one dish? This meatloaf and mashed potato casserole brings two classic dinners together like a power couple, and it’s packed with all the flavors you crave — tender seasoned beef, buttery mashed potatoes, melty cheddar, and crispy bacon.
Need to win over a hangry crowd? Trying to meal prep something hearty for the week? Or maybe you just want your kitchen to smell like a delicious diner on a cold night. Whatever the reason, this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
We’re keeping it simple, but every ingredient pulls its weight in flavor. Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll use (scroll down for exact amounts in the recipe card):
- Ground Beef: Go for 85/15 for just the right balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Breadcrumbs, Egg & Milk: These work as the glue that keeps your meatloaf base nice and tender.
- Onion: Just a little, finely chopped, for that sweet-savory base note.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or russet work best for rich, creamy mashed potatoes.
- Butter & Milk: Because mashed potatoes should never be dry.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives this dish a bold, cheesy layer.
- Bacon Bits: For a crispy, smoky finish that takes everything over the top.
Step-by-Step: Making the Best Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole
1. Prepare the Meatloaf Layer
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Don’t overwork it — a light touch keeps your meatloaf juicy. Press the mixture evenly into a 9×9-inch baking dish and pop it into the oven for 15 minutes. After baking, carefully drain off the fat.
2. Make the Mashed Potatoes
While the meatloaf base is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your peeled, cubed potatoes. Boil for about 15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy (or leave it a little rustic if that’s your vibe).
3. Layer It Up
Once the meatloaf is drained, spread the mashed potatoes right on top. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar and a hearty helping of bacon bits. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes — or until the cheese is bubbling and that top layer of potatoes gets just the slightest golden crisp.
Trust me — when this casserole comes out of the oven, you’ll want to dive in headfirst.
Estimated Nutrition
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Quick Cooking Tips
- Cheese It Up: Want to level up? Add a layer of cheese under the potatoes and on top for double the melt.
- Bacon Hack: No time to fry bacon? Use good-quality store-bought bacon bits (the real kind, not the cardboard ones).
- Lumpy Potatoes? Don’t stress. A few lumps add character. And if your family complains — more for you.
- Customize: You can easily sneak in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the meatloaf mix if you’re on veggie patrol.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this meatloaf and mashed potatoes casserole with a light side salad or green beans to balance out the richness. And if you’ve got a bottle of red wine open… well, you know what to do.
This dish also makes great leftovers — if you’re lucky enough to have any. It slices up beautifully the next day for a quick heat-and-eat lunch.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
Got a busy week ahead? Prep the meatloaf layer and mashed potatoes the night before, layer it all in your baking dish, and store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, just add the cheese and bacon and pop it in the oven.
Leftovers? Store any extra casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or cover the baking dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. This mashed potato meatloaf casserole even freezes well — just wrap tightly and label.
A Little Story from My Kitchen to Yours
This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole was born out of a moment we’ve all had — standing in front of the fridge, exhausted, wondering what’s for dinner… again. I had some leftover mashed potatoes and ground beef, and I figured, why not stack ’em together? The kids cleaned their plates, my husband asked for seconds, and I finally felt like I’d won dinner that night.
Now it’s a comfort classic in our home, and I hope it becomes one in yours too.
FAQ – Let’s Talk Casserole Questions
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can! While I love the richness of homemade, instant works in a pinch. Just make sure they’re thick and not runny before spreading them on the meatloaf.
Can I make this a day in advance?
Absolutely! This meatloaf and mashed potato casserole is perfect for prepping ahead. Just refrigerate it before baking and add 5–10 extra minutes to your final cook time.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Definitely. Ground turkey works great — just be sure to season it well since it has a milder flavor.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or Colby for a twist.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check your bacon bits and seasonings — everything else is naturally gluten-free.
What can I serve with this?
A crisp side salad, roasted veggies, or even just a slice of crusty bread to scoop up all the goodness.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Let it cool completely, slice into portions, and freeze in individual containers. It’ll reheat like a dream.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Stored properly, it’ll stay fresh for 3 days. That makes this meatloaf and mashed potatoes casserole a weeknight win.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to fall back in love with dinner, this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is the dish for you. It’s got everything — savory meatloaf, fluffy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melty cheese — all wrapped into one crave-worthy casserole. Perfect for busy nights, picky eaters, and anyone who just wants a taste of comfort after a long day. Whether you call it a mashed potato meatloaf casserole or a meatloaf and mashed potatoes casserole, one thing’s for sure — you’ll be making it again.
If you loved this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole, you’ll definitely want to check out some of our other comforting, family-friendly recipes like Chicken Ricotta Meatballs: A Delicious and Healthy Twist on a Classic Dish, Quick & Easy Frozen Meatballs: Your Dinner Solution, Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach: Easy Recipe Guide, and Easy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole. They’re just as easy, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights!