The moment I whipped up this Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole for my family, I knew it was a keeper. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor that hits all the comforting notes. Picture layers of moist, BBQ-glazed meatloaf topped with velvety potatoes, crispy bacon , oozy cheddar , and golden perfection .
It’s no wonder this dish is now a regular request in our home. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make yet unbelievably decadent, this recipe has your name on it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A cozy, all-in-one meal that’s rich, easy, and family-approved. Here are:
1. Combines Two Classic Comfort Foods
This recipe brings together rich, savory meatloaf and creamy loaded mashed potatoes. It’s a satisfying all-in-one meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
2. Easy to Make in One Dish
With layered ingredients baked in one casserole, cleanup is simple and minimal. Perfect for weeknights when you want less mess and more flavor.
3. Packed with Flavor and Texture
The creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon add multiple textures. Every bite offers a delicious mix of savory, creamy, and crunchy.
4. Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This dish stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day. You can prep it ahead or freeze portions for future meals.
All About the Recipe
Everything you need to know to make this hearty casserole with ease.
Time to Cook
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kitchen Must-Haves
Before you begin, check that you have these essential tools ready to go:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet (for bacon)
- Potato masher or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Simple tools for an effortlessly comforting dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients that bring bold comfort food flavors together.
- 1.5 pounds of lean ground beef or turkey
- ½ cup finely chopped white onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ⅓ cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 pounds Russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup warm milk (or half-and-half)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
How to Cook a Flavor-Packed Potato and Meatloaf Casserole?
Here’s the step-by-step guide to layering, baking, and serving this hearty classic.
1. Get Prepped
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This step ensures an easy cleanup later!
2. Make the Meatloaf Base
Using a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce. Gently mix everything together without overhandling the meat (to keep it tender). Spread this mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish, pressing lightly to form an even layer.
3. Bake It Up
Place the meatloaf into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. This initial bake allows the meat to cook through slightly before adding the toppings.
4. Cook and Mash the Potatoes
While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the potatoes. Place the peeled and diced potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover them with water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, cooking for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Drain the water, then mash the potatoes with butter until smooth. Stir in sour cream, warm milk, salt, and pepper, and mix until the potatoes are creamy. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar.
5. Layer It Up
Once the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, carefully remove it from the oven and drain off any excess grease. Spread the warm mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon evenly over the mashed potatoes.
6. Finish in the Oven
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once done, remove the dish from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. One bite, and you’ll understand why this recipe is a classic!
Tasty Serving Suggestions
Pair your loaded potato and meatloaf casserole with these delicious sides for a complete meal!
- Steamed Broccoli: Add some greens for a healthy balance.
- Fresh Garden Salad: Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette are perfect palate cleansers.
- Garlic Bread: A slice of buttery garlic bread? Yes, please!
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn complements the savory flavors beautifully.
- Wine Pairing: A full-bodied Merlot or a rich Chardonnay elevates the experience.
Dive in and customize the sides to suit your table.
Tips to Perfect Your Casserole
1. Don’t Skip the Cottage Cheese: Trust me on this one. Cottage cheese keeps the meatloaf moist without overpowering the flavor.
2. Mash Potatoes Your Way: Prefer texture? Use a masher for lumps. Love ‘em smooth? A hand mixer is your best friend.
3. Customize the Toppings: Feel free to sprinkle cooked mushrooms or chopped green onions alongside the bacon for added flavor.
4. Use the Right Pan: A 9×13 dish ensures even cooking and layers that look as good as this casserole tastes.
5. Make It Your Own: Try a mix of 80% lean meat and 20% fat for the most tender meatloaf layer.
Nutritional Breakdown
Per serving (approx. 8 servings):
- Calories: 707 kcal
- Protein: 44g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Sodium: 1089mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 11g
Storing and Reusing Leftovers
Here’s the method to keep your casserole fresh and tasty for days to come.
Refrigerating
Cool the casserole completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Assemble and bake the meatloaf layer. Cool completely, then top with mashed potatoes. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated 375°F oven until heated through. Test with a food thermometer for an even-temperature meal.
Reinvention Ideas
- Stuffed Peppers: Scoop the leftovers into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Savory Breakfast: Fry up a slice of casserole with scrambled eggs for a filling breakfast.
For full instructions with visuals, don’t miss this helpful video:
Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds of lean ground beef or turkey
- ½ cup finely chopped white onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- ⅓ cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 pounds Russet or Yukon gold potatoes peeled and diced
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup warm milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This step ensures an easy cleanup later!
- Using a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce. Gently mix everything together without overhandling the meat (to keep it tender). Spread this mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish, pressing lightly to form an even layer.
- Place the meatloaf into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. This initial bake allows the meat to cook through slightly before adding the toppings.
- While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the potatoes. Place the peeled and diced potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover them with water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, cooking for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Drain the water, then mash the potatoes with butter until smooth. Stir in sour cream, warm milk, salt, and pepper, and mix until the potatoes are creamy. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar.
- Once the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, carefully remove it from the oven and drain off any excess grease. Spread the warm mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon evenly over the mashed potatoes.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. One bite, and you’ll understand why this recipe is a classic!
Notes
- Steamed Broccoli: Add some greens for a healthy balance.
- Fresh Garden Salad: Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette are perfect palate cleansers.
- Garlic Bread: A slice of buttery garlic bread? Yes, please!
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn complements the savory flavors beautifully.
- Wine Pairing: A full-bodied Merlot or a rich Chardonnay elevates the experience.
