Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner that combines classic comfort foods into one delicious dish. Perfect for busy families, it layers seasoned ground beef with creamy potatoes, cheese, and all your favorite baked potato toppings. For more ground beef inspiration, try the Ground Beef Pot Pie Recipe or these fun Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe.

Ingredients

This Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole brings together savory seasoned beef, creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar, and crispy bacon for a truly comforting, flavor-packed 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, peeled and cut
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning (optional)
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and 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 recipes since the casserole format bakes more efficiently than a traditional loaf.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Potatoes

Peel and thinly slice 2 pounds of russet potatoes, about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender in the casserole.

Tip: For extra crispiness, soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch, then pat them thoroughly dry before using.

Step 2 — Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large bowl, combine 1.5 pounds of ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup milk, 1 large egg, and 1/4 cup finely chopped onion. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder.

Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined—overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.

Step 3 — Layer the Casserole Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer on the bottom. Spread the meatloaf mixture evenly over the potatoes, pressing down gently.

Top with the remaining potato slices, arranging them neatly to cover the meatloaf completely.

Step 4 — Add the Sauce and Toppings

Pour one 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup (undiluted) evenly over the top potato layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce.

For a fully loaded potato experience, add 4 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon and 2 tablespoons of chopped chives on top of the cheese.

Step 5 — Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to steam and become tender while the meatloaf cooks through.

Tip: Placing the dish on the center rack ensures even heat distribution for consistent cooking.

Step 6 — Uncover and Brown

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown and the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F.

Check doneness by inserting a knife into the center—potatoes should be soft, and the meat should show no pink.

Step 7 — Rest and Serve

Let the Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice into neat portions.

Garnish with additional chives or a dollop of sour cream if desired, and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	25g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	890mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean ground turkey or chicken — Lighter protein option that still provides savory flavor while reducing overall fat content.
• Cauliflower mash topping — Lower-carb alternative to traditional potatoes that maintains the creamy texture while adding nutrients.
• Nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese — Perfect for lactose intolerance while delivering that cheesy, umami flavor profile.
• Gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats — Excellent binder alternatives that work perfectly in this Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole without gluten.
• Reduced-sodium broth and seasonings — Control salt content while maintaining depth of flavor with herbs like rosemary and thyme.
• Greek yogurt instead of sour cream — Adds protein and tanginess with less fat for the finishing drizzle.
• Sweet potato base — Nutrient-dense swap offering natural sweetness and additional vitamins.
• Plant-based ground meat alternative — Vegetarian option that mimics the texture and heartiness of traditional meatloaf.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Serve alongside steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or garlicky sautéed spinach for a complete, vegetable-forward meal.
• This casserole is perfect for casual family dinners, potlucks, and game day gatherings where hearty comfort food is a must.
• For a cozy weeknight meal, serve directly from the baking dish with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
• Elevate your plating by scooping individual portions and garnishing with extra fresh chives, a dollop of sour cream, and crispy bacon bits.
• Turn leftovers into a delicious next-day lunch by packing a portion with a simple side of pickles or coleslaw.

The versatility of this Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from a simple family supper to a festive holiday side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using overly lean ground beef, which can result in a dry Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole. Fix: Opt for 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef to ensure sufficient fat content for moisture and flavor.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the potato layer, making the dish taste bland. Fix: Generously season the sliced potatoes with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before layering to build flavor throughout.
• Mistake: Not pre-cooking the meatloaf mixture, leading to a greasy final casserole. Fix: Briefly brown the meatloaf mixture in a skillet to render excess fat before assembling the casserole.
• Mistake: Slicing potatoes too thickly, causing them to remain undercooked and hard. Fix: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes uniformly to about 1/4-inch thickness for even cooking.
• Mistake: Overmixing the meatloaf ingredients, which can create a dense, tough texture. Fix: Gently combine the ingredients just until incorporated to maintain a tender, light consistency.
• Mistake: Adding cheese and bacon toppings too early, causing them to burn. Fix: Sprinkle cheese and crispy bacon on top during the last 10-15 minutes of baking so they melt perfectly without burning.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of patting the sliced potatoes dry, resulting in a watery casserole. Fix: Thoroughly pat the potato slices dry with paper towels to remove excess starch and moisture before assembling.
• Mistake: Not letting the Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole rest before serving, making it fall apart. Fix: Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking so the layers set for cleaner slices.

Storing Tips

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

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole reaches a safe temperature before serving.

Conclusion

This Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. If you love cheesy potato dishes, you should also try our Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments!

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FAQs

Can I make this Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the Loaded Potato Meatloaf 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 some good substitutions for the ground beef?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative in this Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole. Each option will slightly alter the flavor and texture, but the dish will remain delicious and hearty.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven until warmed through.