There’s something undeniably magical about combining two comfort food classics into one irresistible dish. Enter the Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole—a hearty, flavor-packed fusion of juicy meatloaf and creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes that’s perfect for family dinners, cozy weekends, or anytime you need a little soul-warming indulgence.
This all-in-one casserole recipe not only saves you time and dishes, but it also delivers on every level of comfort food satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping leftovers for the week, this is a tried-and-true recipe that will quickly earn a spot in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is made for:
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Busy weeknight cooks who want something filling and delicious without juggling a bunch of side dishes.
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Families with picky eaters, because who doesn’t love meatloaf and mashed potatoes?
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Meal preppers, since it stores and reheats beautifully.
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Home chefs craving a nostalgic, yet elevated meal that ticks all the flavor boxes.
The best part? It’s incredibly customizable. From swapping proteins to jazzing up the potato layer, this casserole is your canvas.
Ingredients Breakdown
🥩 For the Meatloaf Base:
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1.5 pounds ground beef
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup milk
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1 egg
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 cup ketchup (for topping)
🥔 For the Potato Layer:
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2 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup milk
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup chopped green onions
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Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Mix the Meatloaf
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated, but don’t overwork the meat.
Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread the ketchup over the top for that signature sweet-savory glaze.
3. Bake the Meatloaf (Part 1)
Bake for 25 minutes. While the meatloaf is baking, start on your potatoes.
4. Boil and Mash the Potatoes
Boil the peeled and sliced potatoes in a large pot of salted water for about 15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well.
Mash the potatoes with sour cream, milk, and butter until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Layer It Up
Once the meatloaf has baked for 25 minutes, remove it from the oven. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top in an even layer. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions on top.
6. Bake Again
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
7. Rest & Serve
Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set for easier serving.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
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9×13-inch baking dish
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Large mixing bowl
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Saucepan or large pot
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Potato masher or hand mixer
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Measuring cups & spoons
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Spatula or spoon for layering
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Knife & cutting board
Helpful Tips and Variations
🔄 Recipe Swaps:
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Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative.
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Cheese Choices: Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or a smoked gouda for extra flavor.
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Add-ins: Stir cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions into the mashed potatoes for a loaded baked potato vibe.
⏱️ Time-Saving Tips:
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Use instant mashed potatoes in a pinch—just doctor them up with sour cream and cheese.
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Chop onions and garlic in advance or buy pre-chopped from the produce section.
🔥 Want a Crispy Top?
Pop the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking to get that golden cheese crust.
How to Store & Reheat
🧊 Storage:
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Let the casserole cool completely before covering.
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔁 Reheating:
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Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2–3 minutes.
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For the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
❄️ Freezing Tips:
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You can freeze the entire casserole before baking the second time. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
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For individual portions, freeze in airtight containers and thaw before reheating.
What to Serve With Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round out your plate, here are a few pairing ideas:
🥗 Sides:
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Steamed green beans or broccoli
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A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette
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Roasted Brussels sprouts
🍷 Drinks:
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A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon
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Classic iced tea or a citrusy lemonade
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For a cozy touch, try it with a dark beer or hard cider
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire dish (up to the second bake) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as instructed and add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time.
Q: Is it gluten-free?
Not as written—because of the breadcrumbs. But you can make it gluten-free by using GF breadcrumbs and double-checking that your Worcestershire sauce is GF certified.
Q: Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes! If you have leftover mash on hand, just warm them slightly and spread over the meatloaf layer before topping with cheese and baking.
Q: What’s the best potato to use?
Russet potatoes work great due to their fluffy texture when mashed. Yukon golds offer a slightly richer, creamier flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is everything we love about comfort food: hearty, cheesy, flavorful, and downright satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a cozy night in, this dish delivers every time.
If you try this recipe, let us know what you think! Share your version on social media and tag us—because we love seeing your creations. And if you’re hungry for more easy comfort food recipes and kitchen inspiration, don’t forget to subscribe to our blog and share this post with your fellow food lovers. Happy cooking! 🍽️