Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole
A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan For baking the casserole.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
- 0.5 cup finely chopped white onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 0.33 cup cottage cheese
- 0.5 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 0.5 cup warm milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 slices thick bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, seasoned bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, beaten egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce until well combined.
- Spread the meat mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Tip: Make sure the meat is evenly spread to ensure even cooking.
- While the meatloaf is baking, place the diced potatoes in a pot filled with water. Cook over medium heat until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain the water and add the unsalted butter. Use a hand mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth. Then, mix in the sour cream, warm milk or half-and-half, kosher salt, and ground black pepper until everything is well blended. Tip: For an extra creamy texture, you can use a potato ricer instead of a hand mixer.
- After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully drain any excess grease.
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Tip: Keep an eye on the cheese to prevent it from burning.
- Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Note: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
For a twist, try adding your favorite vegetables to the meat mixture or using different types of cheese. No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.