Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our loaded potato and meatloaf casserole recipe. This hearty dish combines the savory goodness of meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, all baked together in a cheesy, flavorful casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Follow these simple steps to create your loaded potato and meatloaf casserole:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish and set aside.
- Make the Meatloaf: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Top with Ketchup: Spread the ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf mixture.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the meatloaf is partially cooked.
- Prepare the Potato Layer: While the meatloaf is baking, boil the sliced potatoes in a pot of water until tender, approximately 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and mash them with sour cream, milk, and butter until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer and Bake: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the partially cooked meatloaf in the baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions over the top.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the loaded potato and meatloaf casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Slice into portions and savor the comforting flavors of this delicious dish.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Hot and Fresh: This loaded potato and meatloaf casserole is best enjoyed immediately after baking, while it’s still hot and bubbling from the oven. Serve it straight from the baking dish for a cozy and comforting meal.
- Garnish for Presentation: Before serving, sprinkle some additional chopped green onions or fresh parsley over the casserole for a pop of color and added flavor. This simple garnish enhances the presentation of the dish and makes it even more inviting.
- Pair with Sides: Complement your casserole with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to round out the meal. These side dishes add freshness and texture to the hearty flavors of the casserole.
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat with Care: When reheating leftovers, use a microwave or oven to gently warm them up. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out, and heat it until it’s heated through.
- Freeze for Future Meals: This casserole freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Simply portion the cooled casserole into individual servings, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw Before Reheating: When ready to enjoy frozen leftovers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of the casserole as it warms up.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Before serving reheated leftovers, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream to brighten up the flavors and freshen the dish.
- Repurpose Leftovers: Get creative with leftover casserole by using it as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or stuffed baked potatoes. You can also chop it up and use it as a topping for salads or pizza for a delicious twist.
- Share and Enjoy: Whether freshly baked or reheated, share this delicious casserole with family and friends for a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your loaded potato and meatloaf casserole remains delicious and enjoyable from the first serving to the last. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven or reheating leftovers, this comforting dish is sure to be a hit at any meal.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free version, omit the ground beef and make a lentil or mushroom-based meatloaf instead. Layer the vegetarian meatloaf with mashed potatoes and cheese for a hearty and satisfying vegetarian casserole.
- Cheese Lover’s Twist: Experiment with different types of cheese to add extra flavor to the casserole. Try using smoked Gouda, sharp white cheddar, or pepper jack cheese for a deliciously cheesy variation.
- Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture. You can also mix some hot sauce into the mashed potatoes for an extra spicy kick.
- Bacon Topping: Crumble cooked bacon over the top of the casserole before baking for a smoky and savory addition. The crispy bacon adds texture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Loaded Baked Potato Style: Take inspiration from loaded baked potatoes by adding toppings such as sour cream, bacon bits, and chives to the finished casserole. Serve with a side of extra toppings for a customizable dining experience.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Give the casserole a Tex-Mex flair by seasoning the ground beef with taco seasoning and adding corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes to the meatloaf mixture. Top the casserole with salsa, avocado slices, and cilantro for a Southwestern-inspired twist.
- Italian-Inspired Variation: Infuse the casserole with Italian flavors by using Italian sausage instead of ground beef and adding Italian seasoning and marinara sauce to the meatloaf mixture. Top with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil for an Italian-style twist.
- Breakfast Casserole: Transform the casserole into a breakfast dish by adding cooked breakfast sausage or diced ham to the meatloaf mixture. Serve with a side of scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a hearty breakfast option.
- Sweet Potato Swap: Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes in the mashed potato layer for a slightly sweeter and more nutritious variation. Sweet potatoes pair well with the savory flavors of the meatloaf and cheese.
- Mini Individual Casseroles: Instead of making one large casserole, portion the ingredients into individual ramekins or muffin tins for adorable mini casseroles. This option is perfect for portion control and makes serving easy for gatherings or parties.
By exploring these variations, you can customize the loaded potato and meatloaf casserole to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re craving something spicy, cheesy, or vegetarian-friendly, there’s a variation for everyone to enjoy!
FAQs:
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for the meatloaf?
- Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef in the meatloaf mixture. Keep in mind that these leaner meats may result in a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Can I prepare the casserole in advance and bake it later?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.
- How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
- The meatloaf is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) as measured with a meat thermometer. Make sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meatloaf to ensure accurate temperature reading.
- Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of fresh potatoes?
- While you can use instant mashed potatoes as a time-saving alternative, the texture and flavor may differ from using fresh potatoes. Follow the package instructions for preparing the instant mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning as needed.
With its layers of savory meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and gooey melted cheese, our loaded potato and meatloaf casserole is the epitome of comfort food perfection. Whether you’re craving a satisfying weeknight dinner or hosting a family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to delight your taste buds with this irresistible casserole creation. Enjoy every delicious bite!