Description
This comforting casserole combines a juicy meatloaf base with creamy mashed potatoes, topped with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions. A hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Meatloaf:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Loaded Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
- Shape and bake meatloaf: Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Boil potatoes: While the meatloaf is baking, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with milk or cream and butter until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble casserole: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the baked meatloaf.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the cheddar cheese, cooked bacon crumbles, and chopped green onions over the potatoes.
- Bake casserole: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Vegetables: Add finely chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the meatloaf for extra nutrition.
- Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheese options: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Gravy: Drizzle with a simple gravy for extra richness.
- Make ahead: Prepare the meatloaf and mashed potatoes in advance, then assemble and bake when ready.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of recipe
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 125mg