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!
