Well, good day there, everybody, and welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s positive to turn into a household favourite: Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole. Imagine the hearty goodness of a meatloaf assembly, the creamy, tacky bliss of shepherd’s pie—this dish is the ultimate comfort food mashup. With a flavorful meatloaf base topped with bacon-studded, tacky mashed potatoes, it’s a match made in heaven. Perfect for cozy dinners or potlucks, this casserole is as scrumptious as it's simple to make. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hearty and Satisfying: A filling mixture of meatloaf and mashed potatoes that warms the soul.
Flavor Explosion: Cheesy, bacon-topped potatoes paired with seasoned meatloaf, what I say extra?
Kid-Friendly: Even choosy eaters will gobble this up!
Simple to Make: Straightforward steps for a dish that appears and tastes spectacular.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for household meals or gatherings with associates.
Tools Needed
To whip up this Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole, you’ll want:
Baking Dish: A 7×11 or 8×8 dish to layer the meatloaf and potatoes.
Potato Masher: For clean, creamy mashed potatoes.
Skillet: To fry the bacon to crispy perfection.
Large Pot: For boiling the potatoes.
Mixing Bowl: To mix the meatloaf elements.
Spatula or Spoon: For spreading the potatoes over the meatloaf.
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Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
1 ½ kilos floor beef
⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
1 egg
⅓ cup milk
¼ cup chopped onion
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning, combine (non-obligatory, for further taste)
For the Mashed Potatoes
2 kilos peeled and diced potatoes (about 5 cups)
6 tablespoons butter
½ cup milk (warmed)
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning, (non-obligatory)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (a pointy and delicate mix works nicely)
4 slices bacon, fried and crumbled
Optional Garnish
Chopped inexperienced onions
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Meatloaf: In a mixing bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning (if utilizing). Mix till effectively blended. Press the combination evenly into the underside of a 7×11 or 8×8 baking dish.
Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, fry the bacon till crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble and put aside.
Boil the Potatoes: In a big pot, boil the diced potatoes in salted water till fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain effectively.
Mash the Potatoes: Return the potatoes to the pot. Add butter, warmed milk, salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning (if utilizing). Mash till clean. Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on high.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for half-hour. Remove the foil and bake for an extra 10-Quarter-hour, till the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle with choppedgreend onions for a pop of colour. Let it cool barely, then slice and serve.
Expert Tips for Perfect Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole
Check Meatloaf Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the inner temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Extra Cheese, Please: Add extra cheddar to the potato topping for a fair gooier end.
Warm the Milk: This retains the mashed potatoes creamy and prevents them from cooling down too quickly.
Crisp That Bacon: Fry it till golden for the most effective texture and taste.
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole earlier within the day and refrigerate till able to bake—simply add just a few further minutes to the cook dinner time.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 5 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overpacking the Meatloaf: Don’t press it too arduous into the dish—maintain it mild for a young texture.
Lumpy Potatoes: Mash completely to keep away from chunks in your topping.
Soggy Bacon: Drain it effectively after frying to maintain it crispy.
Overcooking: Check the meatloaf early to stop it from drying out.
Skipping Seasoning: Taste the potatoes and modify salt and pepper as desired.
Variations
Cheesy Swap: Try mozzarella or Colby Jack as an alternative to cheddar.
Veggie Boost: Mix diced carrots or peas into the meatloaf for added vitamins.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or scorching sauce to the meatloaf combination.
Turkey Twist: Substitutegroundr turkey for a leaner possibility.
Loaded Extras: Top with bitter cream or chives for a baked potato vibe.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in a hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days.
Reheating: Warm within the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, coated, to maintain it moist. Alternatively, microwave particular person parts for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I exploit prompt mashed potatoes as an alternative?
Yes, putthem togetherm in response to the bundle, then stir in cheese and bacon as directed.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Swap panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Can I freeze Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole?
Yes, assemble it, cowl tightly, and freeze for as much as 2 months. Thaw in a single day within the fridge earlier than baking.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
Skip it or use a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs as an alternative.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Replace the bottom beef with a plant-based meat substitute and use veggie bacon.
Conclusion
This Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, think tcheesy bacon-topped mashed potatoes hugging a flavorful meatloaf base. It’s hearty, crowd-pleasing, and oh-so-delicious, with that non-obligatory ranch seasoning taking it excessive. Pair it with an easy facet salad or steamed veggies for an entire meal. I hope you give this recipe a try—it’s a game-changer! Happy cooking, and see you quickly with extra tasty concepts!
