This Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. Combining a savory meatloaf base made with ground beef, seasoned breadcrumbs, and fresh onion, it’s topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this all-in-one dish is sure to satisfy the whole family!
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
1 ½ pounds ground beef (85/15)
¼ yellow onion, finely chopped
⅔ cup seasoned dry breadcrumbs
⅓ cup whole milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
For the Mashed Potatoes:
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
⅓ cup unsalted butter
½ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Toppings:
½ cup bacon bits, cooked and crumbled
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Meatloaf:
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, kosher salt, and black pepper. Press the mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish.
Bake the Meatloaf:
Bake the meatloaf uncovered for 15 minutes. Remove it from the oven and carefully drain any excess fat.
Cook the Potatoes:
While the meatloaf is baking, add the potato chunks to a large pot with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for about 15 minutes, or until tender.
Make the Mashed Potatoes:
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon bits.
Final Bake:
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the bacon is sizzling, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the mashed potatoes have lightly browned on top.
Serving Tips:
Garnish: Consider garnishing the casserole with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and added flavor.
Side Dishes: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables (like green beans or broccoli) or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the casserole.
Slice Carefully: Use a sharp knife to cut the casserole into squares for neat servings. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape.
Pair with Condiments: Offer ketchup, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a little extra flavor with their meatloaf.
Storage Tips:
Cool Before Storing: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the dish from becoming soggy.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to cover it tightly to maintain freshness.
Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Then, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, but the oven helps maintain the texture.
Related Recipes:
- Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
- Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting
- Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
FAQs:
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. Just be aware that the flavor and texture may vary slightly. To enhance the flavor, consider adding extra seasonings or herbs to the meat mixture.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf and mashed potatoes in advance. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, just bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I add to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor?
For extra flavor, consider mixing in ingredients such as roasted garlic, sour cream, cream cheese, or fresh herbs (like chives or rosemary) into the mashed potatoes. You can also add shredded cheese directly to the mashed potatoes before spreading them over the meatloaf.
How do I store leftovers, and how long do they last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion:
This Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for busy families. With its delicious combination of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Try it tonight and enjoy a cozy, satisfying meal that everyone will love!
📖 Recipe:
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Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Are you looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will love? Look no further than this Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole! This hearty dish combines the classic flavors of meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, all baked together for an unforgettable meal. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for busy evenings or cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
1 ½ pounds ground beef (85/15)
¼ yellow onion, finely chopped
⅔ cup seasoned dry breadcrumbs
⅓ cup whole milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
For the Mashed Potatoes:
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
⅓ cup unsalted butter
½ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Toppings:
½ cup bacon bits, cooked and crumbled
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Meatloaf: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, and pepper. Press the mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Bake Meatloaf: Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and drain any excess fat.
- Cook Potatoes: While the meatloaf is baking, boil potatoes in enough water to cover until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain.
- Make Mashed Potatoes: Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper to drained potatoes and mash until smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread mashed potatoes over the meatloaf. Top with cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon bits.
- Final Bake: Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Notes
Feel free to customize the meatloaf by adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition.
To add more flavor to the mashed potatoes, consider mixing in garlic or sour cream.
For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
