Description
This Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole combines a savory ground beef meatloaf base with a creamy mashed potato topping, finished with melted cheddar cheese for a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Baked to perfection, it features layers of seasoned meat and fluffy potatoes enhanced with butter, cream cheese, and fresh chives.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Layer
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced (divided from 6 total)
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Potato Layer
- 2 ½ pounds potatoes, peeled
- 5 garlic cloves, peeled
- ½ cup butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
Topping
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or extra chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, 1 minced garlic clove, seasoned bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, beaten egg, and BBQ sauce. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Meatloaf Layer: Spread the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing gently to form a uniform layer.
- Bake Meatloaf Layer: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the meatloaf base for 30 minutes, allowing it to cook partially through.
- Cook Potatoes and Garlic: While meatloaf bakes, peel potatoes and garlic cloves. Boil them in water until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash Potato Mixture: Drain the potatoes and garlic. Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash them thoroughly. Add butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Mix until creamy and smooth.
- Add Chives: Stir chopped fresh chives into the mashed potato mixture for added flavor.
- Drain Meatloaf Layer: After baking time, remove the meatloaf layer from oven and carefully drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Assemble Casserole: Evenly spread the mashed potato mixture over the baked meatloaf in the dish.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the potatoes.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley or extra chives if desired. Serve hot for a hearty and delicious meal.
Notes
- You can use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for best mashing results.
- To reduce grease, opt for lean ground beef (at least 90% lean).
- For added flavor, a pinch of smoked paprika can be added to the meatloaf mixture.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven.
- Customize by adding cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms to the mashed potato layer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American