Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole
This Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole is a cozy, family-style dinner that layers hearty meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and melty cheese, all crowned with crispy bacon. It’s comfort food at its finest and perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners.
This one holds a special place in our hearts. We first made it on a chilly Sunday night when all we wanted was something warm, filling, and delicious. The combo of savory BBQ meatloaf and buttery mashed potatoes is just unbeatable. Plus, who can resist all that cheese and bacon on top?
If you love this recipe, check out our Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf, Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf, or Brown Sugar Meatloaf for more comforting meals your whole family will enjoy.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan wonder: Everything cooks together in one casserole dish.
- Family favorite: Kids and adults alike can’t get enough of this cheesy, meaty mash-up.
- Great for leftovers: It reheats beautifully for next-day lunches or dinners.
- Easy to customize: Swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients
We’ve made this list to help you save time on your next trip to the grocery store. You can find the full amounts needed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
The meatloaf base is made with lean ground beef or turkey, seasoned bread crumbs, onions, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce for a rich, savory flavor. Cottage cheese and BBQ sauce add moisture and a tangy twist. The mashed potatoes are ultra-creamy thanks to butter, sour cream, and warm milk, while sharp cheddar cheese and bacon bring that irresistible finishing touch.
Variations
- Use sweet potatoes: Swap in sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet twist.
- Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Add veggies: Stir in cooked peas or carrots to the meat layer.
- Try different cheese: Pepperjack or mozzarella work great, too.
Instructions
This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, chopped white onion, minced garlic, seasoned bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, lightly beaten egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce.
- Press into a 9×13 casserole dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- While the meatloaf bakes, dice the potatoes and boil them in a pot of water until fork tender.
- Drain the potatoes, add butter, sour cream, milk and seasonings and mash until smooth.
- Spread the mashed potatoes and top with shredded cheese and bacon. Return to the oven for 15 minutes.
- Return to the oven for 15 minutes. Slice and serve.
Expert Tips
- Use a hand mixer for ultra-smooth mashed potatoes.
- Shred your own cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Prep ahead by making the meat and potato layers in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the point of the second baking, then cover and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed.
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ricotta or even a bit of Greek yogurt can work in a pinch to keep the meatloaf moist.
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📖Recipe
Want to make this recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin this recipe, so you can find it later.
Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13 baking dish
- large mixing bowl
- large pot
- potato masher or hand mixer
- Rubber spatula
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef or turkey
- ½ cup finely 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
- 2 pounds 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 bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a temperature of 375°F. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by spraying it with a nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, chopped white onion, minced garlic, seasoned bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, lightly beaten egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it is evenly spread. Bake in the preheated oven for a duration of 30 minutes.
- Concurrently, place the diced potatoes in a pan filled with water and cook over medium heat until they are tender.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain the water and incorporate the unsalted butter. Utilize a hand mixer to achieve a smooth consistency. Subsequently, add the sour cream, warm milk or half-and-half, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well-combined.
- After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven and carefully drain any excess grease.
- Apply an even layer of the mashed potatoes over the meatloaf. This should be followed by a generous sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Place the casserole back into the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes. The objective is to ensure that the potatoes are thoroughly heated and the cheese has completely melted.
- Once completed, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Disclaimer
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
