Description
Hearty Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole combines classic comfort with rustic charm, blending savory ground beef and creamy mashed potatoes. Rich layers of cheese, bacon, and green onions create a mouthwatering meal promising pure satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) lean ground beef, thawed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ lb (227 grams) bacon, cooked and crumbled
Seasoning and Binding:
- ⅔ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Topping and Finishing:
- 6 cups instant mashed potatoes (prepared using package directions)
- 2 cups medium cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, diced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Craft the savory meat base by gently blending ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, minced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl. Ensure thorough incorporation without excessive manipulation to maintain tender texture.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, carefully spreading it into an even, uniform layer that covers the entire bottom surface.
- Layer the prepared mashed potatoes smoothly across the meat foundation, creating a creamy, consistent blanket that completely conceals the meat mixture.
- Generously distribute shredded cheese and crispy crumbled bacon over the potato surface, ensuring comprehensive coverage for maximum flavor distribution.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and shield the casserole with aluminum foil, protecting the delicate ingredients during initial cooking.
- Bake the covered casserole for approximately 25 minutes, allowing the meat to cook thoroughly and flavors to meld.
- Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven, continuing to bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese becomes gloriously melted and slightly golden.
- Allow the casserole to rest momentarily after removing from the oven, permitting the ingredients to settle and flavors to intensify.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch before slicing and serving this hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter, healthier version of the casserole.
- Mix meat ingredients gently to prevent tough, dense meatloaf texture – overmixing can make the dish rubbery and compact.
- Consider using ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for those wanting lower-fat or vegetarian options that maintain similar flavor profiles.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, monterey
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg