There's something magical about combining two classic comfort foods into one incredible dish. This Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe brings together the best of both worlds; savory, seasoned ground beef topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. It's the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table ask for seconds.
I've been making this Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for years, and it never fails to impress. Whether you're feeding hungry kids after soccer practice or hosting a casual dinner party, this Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe delivers every time. Plus, it's surprisingly simple to put together, which means you can have homemade comfort food on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe, it'll become your go-to weeknight dinner.
Why This Casserole Has Become My Family's Favorite
This dish isn't just another casserole; it's a complete meal that satisfies everyone at once. The beauty of a mashed potato meatloaf casserole lies in its layers of flavor and texture. You get the hearty, savory notes from the seasoned ground beef, the creamy richness of butter and milk mashed potatoes, and the indulgent touch of shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits. It's comfort food at its finest, and it reminds me of those Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house.
What makes this Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe stand out is how well it holds together. Unlike traditional meatloaf that can sometimes be dry, this version stays moist thanks to the creamy mashed potato topping that seals in all the juices. The loaded potato bake with ground beef concept also means you're getting complete nutrition in one pan; protein, carbs, and plenty of flavor. Plus, it's a make-ahead casserole, which means you can prep it in the morning and pop it in the oven when you get home. This Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe has saved me countless times when I needed something reliable and delicious.
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Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Base:
- Ground beef (80/20 blend works best for flavor and moisture)
- Onion, finely diced (adds sweetness and depth)
- Garlic, minced (essential for that savory base)
- Breadcrumbs (helps bind the meat; use gluten-free if needed)
- Eggs (holds everything together perfectly)
- Ketchup (adds moisture and a hint of sweetness)
- Worcestershire sauce (brings umami richness)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Dried Italian seasoning (oregano and basil add nice flavor)
For the Mashed Potato Layer:
- Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (russets make the fluffiest mashed potatoes)
- Butter (for that creamy, rich texture)
- Whole milk or heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)
- Sour cream (adds tanginess and extra creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Loaded Toppings:
- Additional sour cream (for drizzling on top)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar gives the best flavor)
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled (crispy bacon bits are a must)
- Green onions, sliced (fresh topping that adds color and bite)
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare Your Meatloaf Base
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix everything together with your hands until just combined; don't overmix or the meatloaf will become tough.
- Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a flat, even layer.
- Bake the meat layer uncovered for 20 minutes to start cooking and render some of the fat.
Make the Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- While the meat is baking, place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes completely and return them to the pot.
- Add the butter, milk, and sour cream to the hot potatoes.
- Mash everything together until smooth and creamy; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Set the mashed potatoes aside until the meat layer is ready.
Layer and Add Toppings
- Remove the partially cooked meat from the oven and carefully drain any excess grease using a spoon or by tilting the pan.
- Spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly over the meat layer, covering it completely from edge to edge.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the mashed potatoes.
- Scatter the crispy bacon bits evenly across the cheese layer.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Final Touches and Serving
- Slice into generous squares and serve hot with your favorite sides.
- Remove the finished Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
- This resting time allows the layers to set so it cuts cleanly.
- Sprinkle the fresh green onions over the top for color and freshness.
- Add dollops of sour cream across the surface if desired.
Expert Cooking Tips
Choose the Right Ground Beef
- The 80/20 ground beef ratio (80% lean, 20% fat) gives you the best balance of flavor and moisture. Leaner beef can result in a dry meatloaf layer, while fattier beef might make the dish greasy. If you do use leaner beef, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the meat mixture.
Don't Skip the Resting Time for Potatoes
- After draining your boiled potatoes, let them sit in the pot for a minute or two to allow excess moisture to evaporate. This prevents watery mashed potatoes that could make your casserole soggy. The drier your potatoes before mashing, the creamier they'll become with added butter and cream.
Drain the Meat Properly
- After the initial baking of the meat layer, you'll notice rendered fat pooling in the pan. Use a large spoon to carefully remove most of this grease before adding the mashed potatoes. This prevents the casserole from being too oily and helps the layers stick together better.
Layer Your Cheese Strategically
- For maximum cheese pull and flavor, use half the cheese mixed into the mashed potatoes and the other half on top. This creates pockets of melted cheese throughout the dish rather than just on the surface. Sharp cheddar works beautifully, but you can also mix in some monterey jack or colby for extra creaminess.
Make It Ahead for Easy Weeknights
- This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats, then add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it's starting cold.
Use a Meat Thermometer
- To ensure your ground beef is fully cooked, check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F before adding the mashed potato layer. This guarantees food safety and prevents undercooking.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Mexican-Inspired Version
- Transform this dish into a taco casserole by seasoning the ground beef with chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Replace the cheddar with a Mexican cheese blend, and top with jalapeños, salsa, and a dollop of guacamole after baking. This variation adds a zesty kick that's perfect for Taco Tuesday.
Vegetarian Adaptation
- Swap the ground beef for a mixture of cooked lentils and sautéed mushrooms seasoned with soy sauce and smoked paprika. The texture won't be identical, but you'll still get that hearty, savory base. Use vegetable broth in the mashed potatoes for extra flavor, and load up on the cheese and veggie toppings.
Keto-Friendly Option
- Replace the mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower; just steam cauliflower florets until tender, then mash with butter, cream cheese, and sour cream. Skip the breadcrumbs in the meat mixture and use crushed pork rinds instead. This low-carb version maintains the comfort food vibe while keeping the carbs minimal.
Turkey and Herb Version
- For a lighter take, use ground turkey instead of beef and add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage to the meat mixture. Top with swiss cheese instead of cheddar and skip the bacon for a cleaner flavor profile. This Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe variation is perfect for those watching their fat intake.
Loaded Baked Potato Style
- Amp up the loaded aspect by mixing crispy bacon pieces directly into the mashed potatoes along with extra sour cream and chives. Add a layer of cream cheese between the meat and potatoes for an ultra-rich center. Finish with even more cheese, bacon, and a drizzle of ranch dressing before serving.
Gluten-Free Modification
- Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in the meat mixture. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free. You can also use almond flour as a binder if you prefer a grain-free option.
Equipment Recommendations
- 9x13-inch Baking Dish ; A quality ceramic or glass baking dish distributes heat evenly and makes serving easy. I prefer glass because you can see the layers forming as it bakes, and it's easy to clean afterward.
- Large Pot for Boiling Potatoes ; You'll need at least a 6-quart pot to boil 3 pounds of potatoes comfortably. A pot with a heavy bottom prevents scorching and helps water boil evenly.
- Potato Masher or Ricer ; A sturdy potato masher gives you control over the texture of your mashed potatoes. If you prefer ultra-smooth potatoes, a ricer is worth the investment; it removes all lumps and creates restaurant-quality results.
- Meat Thermometer ; This inexpensive tool takes the guesswork out of cooking ground beef safely. Digital instant-read thermometers are quick and accurate, ensuring your meat reaches the proper 160°F.
- Large Mixing Bowl ; You'll need a bowl big enough to mix 2 pounds of ground beef with all the seasonings comfortably. Stainless steel or glass bowls work best and won't retain odors.
- Sturdy Spatula or Serving Spoon ; For serving the finished casserole, a wide metal spatula helps you lift out neat squares without the layers falling apart.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
- Once cooled, cover the Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Freezing Instructions
- This casserole freezes beautifully either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked, assemble completely but hold off on adding the final cheese and bacon topping; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the toppings, and bake as directed, adding 10 extra minutes if needed.
- For already-baked casserole, let it cool completely, then cut into portions and wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil. These single servings are perfect for quick lunches. Reheat from frozen in the microwave for 4-5 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
Meal Prep Strategy
- Make a double batch on Sunday and freeze one for the following week. This Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe reheats so well that it tastes just as good the second time around. You can also prep the meat mixture and mashed potatoes separately a day ahead, then assemble and bake when needed.
The Secret That Makes This Casserole Unforgettable
Here's something I learned from my grandmother that changed everything: add a thin layer of cream cheese between the meat and mashed potatoes. It sounds simple, but this creates an unbelievably rich, tangy middle layer that everyone raves about. Just spread 4 ounces of softened cream cheese over the partially cooked meat before adding your mashed potatoes. As the Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe bakes, the cream cheese melts and creates pockets of creamy goodness.
The second secret is letting the assembled casserole sit for 10 minutes before baking. This resting period allows the meat juices to settle and the mashed potatoes to firm up slightly, which prevents them from sliding around when you cut into the finished dish. These two small tricks turn a good Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe into an extraordinary one that people will request again and again.
FAQ
What are some common meatloaf casserole mistakes?
The biggest mistake is overmixing the meat mixture, which creates a tough, dense texture instead of a tender meatloaf base. Another common error is not draining the grease after the initial baking, which makes the Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe greasy. Also, adding the mashed potatoes while they're too hot can cause the meat layer to continue cooking unevenly, so let them cool for a few minutes first.
How long does it take to cook Costco meatloaf and mashed potatoes?
Store-bought versions typically take 60-75 minutes at 375°F because they're larger and denser. However, this homemade Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe takes about 40-45 minutes total because you're baking the layers separately first. The key is checking that the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly on top.
Is it better to cook meatloaf at 350 or 375?
For this Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe, 375°F is ideal because it cooks the meat layer quickly without drying it out, and it gives the cheese topping that perfect golden, bubbly finish. At 350°F, you'd need to add 10-15 extra minutes, which can dry out the edges. However, if you're baking from frozen, 350°F works better for more even heating throughout.
What to have with meatloaf and mashed potatoes?
Since this Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is already loaded with potatoes and meat, keep sides light and fresh. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette, roasted green beans, or steamed broccoli work perfectly. Dinner rolls or garlic bread are great for soaking up any extra cheese and gravy. For a complete comfort food experience, serve with glazed carrots or corn on the cob.
Why This Casserole Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation
This Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is more than just another dinner idea; it's a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone to the table. The combination of savory ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon creates layers of flavor that satisfy even the pickiest eaters. It's the kind of dish that makes weeknight cooking feel manageable instead of stressful, and it's perfect for those nights when you need something hearty and comforting.
What I love most about this Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is how flexible it is. You can make it ahead, freeze portions for later, or customize it with different toppings and seasonings. Once you've mastered this recipe, you'll find yourself turning to it again and again. And if you're looking for more comforting soup recipes to pair with this hearty casserole, try our warming Carrot Cumin Soup Recipe or the flavorful Miso Noodle Soup Recipe for a complete, satisfying meal. Give this Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe a try this week, and I promise it'll become a new family favorite.
With love and a full belly
By Lisa Johnson 🥔
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Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish For layering and baking the casserole evenly.
- 1 Large pot For boiling potatoes (6-quart recommended).
- 1 Potato masher or ricer For smooth, creamy mashed potatoes.
- 1 Meat thermometer Ensures meat reaches 160°F safely.
- 1 Large mixing bowl To mix ground beef and seasonings.
- 1 Sturdy Spatula or Serving Spoon For serving neat squares.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Base
- 2 lbs Ground beef 80/20 blend for best flavor and moisture.
- 1 medium Onion, finely diced Adds sweetness and depth.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced Adds savory flavor.
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs Use gluten-free if needed.
- 2 large Eggs Helps bind the meat mixture.
- ¼ cup Ketchup Adds sweetness and moisture.
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Adds umami richness.
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning Oregano and basil blend.
Mashed Potatoes
- 3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed For the mashed potato layer.
- ½ cup Butter Adds creamy texture.
- ½ cup Whole milk or heavy cream Adjust consistency as needed.
- ½ cup Sour cream Adds tangy flavor.
- Salt and pepper To taste for potatoes.
Toppings
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar recommended.
- 8 strips Bacon, cooked and crumbled For the loaded topping.
- ½ cup Green onions, sliced Adds freshness and color.
- ¼ cup Sour cream Optional for drizzling on top.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Mix ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings in a large bowl.
- Press mixture into baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
- Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, and sour cream.
- Drain grease from meat layer and spread mashed potatoes evenly on top.
- Add cheddar cheese and bacon over potatoes.
- Bake another 20–25 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes, top with green onions, and serve.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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