Can I make this casserole with leftover mashed potatoes?

Absolutely! Using leftover mashed potatoes is a fantastic time-saver. Just warm them slightly before spreading over the meatloaf layer to make them easier to work with. You might need to adjust the final baking time to ensure everything is heated through properly.

Why is my meatloaf mixture too wet or too dry?

The perfect meatloaf consistency should hold together but still be moist. If your mixture seems too wet, add a few more breadcrumbs. If it's too dry, a splash of milk or an extra tablespoon of BBQ sauce will help. Remember that different ground meats have varying moisture levels, so adjustments are sometimes necessary.

Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf mixture?

Definitely! Finely chopped bell peppers, grated carrots, or zucchini make excellent additions that add nutrition and moisture. Just be sure to sauté them briefly first to remove excess moisture and soften them before adding to your meat mixture.

How do I prevent my mashed potatoes from being gummy?

The key to fluffy mashed potatoes is not overworking them. Beat them just until smooth and creamy. Also, using warm (not cold) milk and adding it gradually helps maintain the right texture. For extra insurance against gumminess, choose starchy potatoes like Russets rather than waxy varieties.

Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Name: Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Meatloaf:; 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef or turkey; ½ cup chopped white onion; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; ⅓ cup cottage cheese; ½ cup BBQ sauce; For the Mashed Potatoes:; 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced; ½ cup butter; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup warm milk, or half and half; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; Toppings:; 6 slices thick bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded

This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up that combines two family favorites into one irresistible dish. The savory meatloaf base topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melty cheese, and crispy bacon creates a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners. Ready in just over an hour, this crowd-pleasing casserole will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Two classics in one dish: Enjoy the best of both worlds with savory meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes in every delicious bite.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist this comforting combination of flavors and textures that satisfies everyone at the table.
Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prep or when you need to plan ahead for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Easily adapt with different ground meats, cheese varieties, or additional mix-ins to suit your family’s preferences.
Complete meal: With protein, carbs, and plenty of flavor packed into one dish, you only need a simple side to round out the meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground beef or turkey: The foundation of our meatloaf that provides hearty protein. Choose lean meat for less grease, but don’t go too lean or it may dry out.
White onion: Adds essential flavor and moisture to the meatloaf base. Dice it finely if you have picky eaters.
Garlic: Brings aromatic depth to the meatloaf that can’t be matched with garlic powder.
Seasoned bread crumbs: These help bind the meatloaf together while adding flavor and maintaining moisture.
Worcestershire sauce: Provides that umami depth that makes meatloaf taste like meatloaf! Don’t skip this flavor enhancer.
Egg: Acts as the binding agent that helps hold your meatloaf together.
Cottage cheese: A secret ingredient that keeps the meatloaf incredibly moist and tender.
BBQ sauce: Creates a tangy-sweet flavor profile and helps seal in moisture during baking.
Potatoes: The star of the topping! Russet potatoes work beautifully for fluffy mashed potatoes.
Butter: Essential for rich, flavorful mashed potatoes that complement the savory meatloaf.
Sour cream: Takes your mashed potatoes to the next level with tanginess and creaminess.
Milk or half and half: Helps achieve that perfect mashed potato consistency.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
Bacon: The crispy, smoky topping that makes this casserole absolutely irresistible.
Cheddar cheese: Creates that gooey, melty crown that binds everything together with delicious cheesy goodness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Meat Options

Try using half ground beef and half Italian sausage for extra flavor, or substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version. Vegetarians can even use a plant-based ground meat substitute!

Potato Swaps

Switch up the potato topping by using sweet potatoes for a sweet-savory contrast, or try adding roasted garlic, chives, or cheese directly into your mashed potatoes for extra flavor.

Cheese Choices

While cheddar is classic, experiment with pepper jack for heat, smoked gouda for depth, or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a unique flavor profile.

Add-In Options

Fold sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or spinach into the meatloaf mixture for extra vegetables, or add a layer of corn or green beans between the meatloaf and potatoes for a complete casserole.

How to Make Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef (or turkey), chopped onion, minced garlic, seasoned bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, beaten egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce. Mix thoroughly but gently – overmixing can make your meatloaf tough.

Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf Base

Spread the meatloaf mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, pressing it down gently to create a flat surface. Bake for 30 minutes, which partially cooks the meat before adding the potato topping.

Step 4: Make the Mashed Potatoes

While the meatloaf is baking, place diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain thoroughly, then return potatoes to the hot pot. Add butter and beat with a hand mixer until incorporated. Mix in sour cream, warm milk, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Remove the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven and carefully pour off any excess grease. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf layer. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.

Step 6: Final Baking

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the potatoes are hot, the cheese is completely melted, and the meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut into neat portions.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t overmix the meatloaf: Mix the ingredients just until combined to ensure a tender result.
Drain the potatoes thoroughly: Water-logged potatoes make for soupy mashed potatoes, so make sure to drain them well and even let them steam dry for a minute.
Warm your dairy ingredients: Using room temperature sour cream and warmed milk creates smoother mashed potatoes.
Check your meatloaf temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160°F for beef or 165°F for turkey.
Pre-cook your bacon until crisp: Fully cook the bacon before adding it to the top, as it won’t crisp up much more during the final bake.
Let it rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help the layers set.

How to Serve

This hearty casserole is practically a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to round out your dinner:

Simple Sides

Pair with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or glazed carrots for a pop of color and nutritional balance.

Bread Options

Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread make perfect companions for soaking up any delicious juices.

Condiment Complements

Offer extra BBQ sauce on the side for those who enjoy a saucier experience, or a dollop of additional sour cream for the potato topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can prepare this casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Storing Leftovers

Cover the cooled casserole with aluminum foil or transfer portions to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors often improve after a day in the refrigerator!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Either freeze the entire assembled but unbaked casserole (excluding the cheese and bacon toppings), or freeze fully cooked leftovers in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Add the cheese and bacon toppings just before the final bake.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or place the casserole in a 375°F oven until heated through (about 20-25 minutes for a portion, longer for a whole casserole). Check that the center reaches at least 165°F with an instant-read thermometer.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole with leftover mashed potatoes?

Absolutely! Using leftover mashed potatoes is a fantastic time-saver. Just warm them slightly before spreading over the meatloaf layer to make them easier to work with. You might need to adjust the final baking time to ensure everything is heated through properly.
Why is my meatloaf mixture too wet or too dry?

The perfect meatloaf consistency should hold together but still be moist. If your mixture seems too wet, add a few more breadcrumbs. If it’s too dry, a splash of milk or an extra tablespoon of BBQ sauce will help. Remember that different ground meats have varying moisture levels, so adjustments are sometimes necessary.
Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf mixture?

Definitely! Finely chopped bell peppers, grated carrots, or zucchini make excellent additions that add nutrition and moisture. Just be sure to sauté them briefly first to remove excess moisture and soften them before adding to your meat mixture.
How do I prevent my mashed potatoes from being gummy?

The key to fluffy mashed potatoes is not overworking them. Beat them just until smooth and creamy. Also, using warm (not cold) milk and adding it gradually helps maintain the right texture. For extra insurance against gumminess, choose starchy potatoes like Russets rather than waxy varieties.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole brings together the best of two comfort food classics in one magnificent dish. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing without a ton of fuss. The combination of savory meatloaf, creamy potatoes, melty cheese, and crispy bacon creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving serious comfort food – I promise it will become a regular request in your household!