Description
Comfort meets indulgence in this hearty Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole, combining creamy mashed potatoes with savory ground beef. Crispy bacon, melted cheese, and green onions crown this irresistible dish that promises to satisfy souls craving classic American comfort cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef or turkey
- 6 slices thick bacon, cooked and crumbled
Potato and Dairy Components:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 0.5 cup warm milk or half-and-half
- 0.33 cup cottage cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 0.5 cup finely chopped white onion
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Combine ground beef or ground turkey, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, beaten egg, cottage cheese, and barbecue sauce in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly incorporated.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Meanwhile, place diced potatoes in a pot of salted water and boil until fork-tender, approximately 12-15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot, mashing with unsalted butter, sour cream, whole milk, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until creamy and smooth.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully drain any accumulated grease from the baking dish.
- Spread the mashed potatoes in an even layer over the partially cooked meatloaf.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon across the potato surface.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden.
Notes
- A hearty, comfort food casserole that combines classic meatloaf with loaded mashed potatoes for a satisfying one-dish meal.
- Choosing ground beef or turkey allows flexibility based on personal preference or dietary needs.
- Mixing cottage cheese into the meat mixture adds unexpected moisture and helps prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry.
- Draining excess grease after the initial baking ensures a lighter, less greasy final dish.
- Topping the casserole with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese creates an irresistible flavor combination that elevates the entire recipe.
- Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish can be prepared ahead and reheated, making meal planning easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg