Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner that combines two family favorites into one comforting dish. Perfect for busy evenings, it layers seasoned ground beef with tender potatoes, cheese, and all the classic loaded potato toppings. For another potato-packed meal, try these Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Are Next Level Comfort Food. Simple to assemble and always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole brings together savory seasoned beef, creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar, and crispy bacon for a truly comforting and satisfying meal.

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2/3 cup plain bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning (optional)
• 2 pounds potatoes
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning (optional)
• 4 slices bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour

Context: This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is about 20% faster than similar layered casserole recipes thanks to its streamlined assembly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and scrub 2 pounds of russet potatoes, then cut them into ½-inch cubes. Toss the cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.

Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a large, greased baking sheet. This ensures they crisp up evenly during baking.

Step 2 — Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large bowl, combine 1½ pounds of ground beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 beaten egg, ½ cup of milk, ¼ cup of finely chopped onion, and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.

Mix gently with your hands until just combined—overmixing can make the meatloaf dense. For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of ketchup or barbecue sauce to the mixture.

Step 3 — Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish, creating a solid base layer.

Arrange the seasoned potato cubes on top of the meatloaf layer, distributing them evenly. Avoid pressing down too hard to keep the meatloaf fluffy.

Step 4 — Bake the Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled casserole in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes.

Check for doneness: the meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), and the potatoes should be fork-tender and golden.

Step 5 — Add Toppings

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6 — Garnish and Serve

Let the Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes serving easier.

Top with crispy cooked bacon bits, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate loaded potato experience.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	24g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	890mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey or chicken — Lighter protein option that still provides savory flavor while reducing fat content.
• Cauliflower mash — Lower-carb potato substitute that creates a creamy, satisfying topping for this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole.
• Nutritional yeast — Dairy-free alternative to cheese that adds a cheesy, umami flavor without dairy.
• Oat flour or almond flour — Gluten-free binding alternatives that work perfectly in meatloaf mixtures.
• Low-sodium broth & reduced-salt seasonings — Maintains flavor while significantly cutting sodium content.
• Greek yogurt — Healthier substitute for sour cream that adds tanginess and protein.
• Lean ground beef or plant-based crumbles — Reduces fat content while keeping the hearty meatloaf texture.
• Sweet potato topping — Nutrient-dense alternative to regular potatoes with natural sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole with a crisp garden salad or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.
• Serve at family gatherings or potlucks—it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to transport and share.
• For a cozy weeknight dinner, plate individual portions alongside warm, buttery dinner rolls.
• Top with extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream right before serving for added flavor and texture.
• This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is perfect for game day or holiday meals when you need a hearty, comforting centerpiece.
• Garnish with freshly chopped chives or green onions to add a pop of color and freshness.
• For a complete comfort food experience, serve with a side of cornbread or garlic breadsticks.

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply craving a satisfying family meal, this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole delivers on flavor and comfort every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using overly lean ground beef which dries out. Fix: Opt for 80/20 or 85/15 beef-to-fat ratio for juicier meatloaf.
• Mistake: Not par-cooking potatoes before baking. Fix: Parboil potato slices for 8–10 minutes to ensure they cook through evenly.
• Mistake: Overmixing the meatloaf base, making it dense. Fix: Gently mix ingredients until just combined for a tender texture.
• Mistake: Skipping the resting time before slicing. Fix: Let the Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole rest 10 minutes so layers set.
• Mistake: Adding cheese too early, causing it to burn. Fix: Sprinkle cheese in the last 10–15 minutes of baking for perfect melt.
• Mistake: Forgetting to season each component layer. Fix: Season potatoes, meat, and toppings separately for balanced flavor.
• Mistake: Using watery toppings like fresh tomatoes. Fix: Pat toppings like sour cream and bacon dry to prevent sogginess.
• Mistake: Baking in a shallow dish, leading to spillover. Fix: Use a deep 9×13 casserole dish to contain all layers safely.
• Mistake: Relying only on visual cues for doneness. Fix: Check internal temperature reaches 160°F in the meatloaf center.
• Mistake: Crowding potato slices so they steam instead of roast. Fix: Arrange potatoes in a single, slightly overlapping layer for crisp edges.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until steaming hot, or bake covered at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F when reheating.

Conclusion

This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. If you love easy casseroles, try our Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe next. We hope you enjoy this recipe—please leave a comment with your review and subscribe for more delicious meal ideas!

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FAQs

Can I prepare the Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

What are the best potatoes to use for this casserole?

Russet potatoes work best for this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole because they become fluffy when baked. Their texture holds up well with the meatloaf mixture and toppings, creating a perfect hearty dish.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats in the meatloaf layer. Also, ensure all other ingredients, like sauces, are certified gluten-free to keep the entire dish safe.