When you think of comfort food, two staples likely come to mind: a juicy, tender meatloaf and creamy, loaded mashed potatoes. Now imagine both layered into one cozy, satisfying dish—baked together into a rich, hearty, cheesy casserole. That’s exactly what you get with this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole.
This isn’t just any weeknight meal. It’s a family favorite that combines everything you love about traditional dinners into one simple pan. Whether you’re planning a hearty Sunday dinner, a make-ahead meal, or using up leftovers, this casserole has your back. With layers of seasoned beef, cheesy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, every bite is packed with flavor and warmth.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Casserole
This dish is far more than meat and potatoes—it’s a comforting, oven-baked solution for hungry families, picky eaters, and anyone who appreciates a simple recipe that always delivers.
✅ One Pan = Less Mess
Dinner and cleanup made easy. You mix, layer, bake, and serve—all from the same dish.
✅ Freezer and Make-Ahead Friendly
Assemble it earlier in the day (or even the night before), then bake when you’re ready to eat.
✅ Great Use for Leftovers
Have leftover mashed potatoes? This is the perfect way to turn them into something completely new.
✅ Crowd-Pleasing Comfort
Meat + potatoes + cheese + bacon = a flavor combination no one can resist.
👉 Craving more all-in-one meals? Try our Mexican White Trash Casserole for another family favorite with bold flavor!
🛒 Ingredients Overview
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
| Component | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Meatloaf Layer | 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20), 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, ½ cup milk |
| ½ cup finely diced onion, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce | |
| 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper | |
| Potato Layer | 3 cups mashed potatoes (fresh or leftover), 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese |
| ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup milk, 4 slices bacon (cooked & crumbled), 2 green onions | |
| Salt and pepper to taste | |
| Garnish (Optional) | Extra cheese, chopped parsley or chives, extra bacon bits |
✅ Pro Tip: Use leftover mashed potatoes to make this even easier, or prepare the meatloaf base in advance for a quick bake-and-serve option.
🔪 How to Make Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole
This recipe comes together in just a few steps. Here’s your roadmap to the ultimate comfort casserole.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with oil or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, combine:
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Milk
- Onion
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Mix just until combined. Do not overmix, or the meatloaf can become tough.
Step 3: Press and Bake
Press the meat mixture into an even layer in your casserole dish. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until it’s almost fully cooked through.
Step 4: Mix the Mashed Potato Topping
While the meatloaf is baking, stir together:
- Mashed potatoes
- Cheese
- Sour cream
- Milk
- Crumbled bacon
- Green onions
Add salt and pepper to taste. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Remove the dish from the oven and carefully spread the mashed potato mixture over the meatloaf layer. Top with a little extra cheese and bacon if desired.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Return to the oven for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole rest for about 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chives or parsley and serve hot.
💡 Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Just until ingredients are incorporated is enough.
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the full dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.
- Use Fresh or Leftover Potatoes: Leftovers work great, or boil 4–5 medium russet potatoes until tender.
- Go Low-Carb: Swap potatoes with cauliflower mash for a keto-friendly version.
- Try Other Cheeses: Pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda are delicious swaps.
🔄 Tasty Variations
| Variation | Twist |
|---|---|
| BBQ Bacon Casserole | Use BBQ sauce in the meatloaf and top with crispy onion rings |
| Tex-Mex Style | Add taco seasoning to the beef, and use pepper jack cheese in the topping |
| Cheeseburger Casserole | Mix pickles and mustard into the beef layer, top with tomato slices after baking |
👉 Want a refreshing contrast? Pair this with our Marinated Cucumber, Onion & Tomato Salad for a cool, crunchy side.
🧊 Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions
Wrap cooled casserole tightly in foil or store in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat covered at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or microwave single portions on medium heat until hot.
❓FAQ
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this casserole?
Yes! In fact, this casserole is one of the best ways to use up leftover mash. Just warm it slightly so it spreads easily.
What kind of ground meat works best for the base?
Ground beef (80/20) is classic, but ground turkey or pork also work great depending on your taste or dietary preferences.
How do I keep the casserole from getting greasy?
Use leaner beef and drain any excess fat after the first bake before adding the potato topping.
Can I prepare it the night before and bake it later?
Absolutely. Just assemble it fully, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time if cold.
Is it okay to freeze this casserole after baking?
Yes! It freezes beautifully. Just cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months.
Can I add veggies to make it more filling?
Definitely. Try mixing in spinach, peas, corn, or bell peppers to the beef or potato layers.