Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole: A Comfort Food Masterpiece
Imagine a dish that combines the comforting flavors of a classic meatloaf with the creamy indulgence of a loaded baked potato – that’s exactly what our Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole delivers. This decadent fusion of two beloved comfort foods is a surefire way to bring joy to the dinner table, whether you’re serving it for a cozy family meal or entertaining guests.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dream come true. The rich, savory meatloaf is perfectly complemented by the creamy, cheesy potato topping, creating a delightful contrast of textures in every bite. But what truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility – it can be easily prepared ahead of time and frozen for quick, hassle-free weeknight dinners, or served as the centerpiece of a special occasion meal.
Plus, with simple, accessible ingredients and a straightforward preparation process, this casserole is an excellent choice for busy home cooks who want to serve up a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish without the fuss. Get ready to indulge in a comforting culinary experience that will have your family and friends raving about your cooking skills.
🥄 Recipe Essentials
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 green onions, sliced
The beauty of this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of ground beef, pork, and a blend of herbs creates the hearty, savory flavor profile that has made meatloaf recipes perennially popular.
👨🍳 Cooking Instructions
• Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Step 3: Press the meatloaf mixture into the prepared baking dish, shaping it into an even layer.
• Step 4: In a large pot, cover the cubed potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
• Step 5: Drain the potatoes and mash them with the sour cream, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Step 6: Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly over the meatloaf layer in the baking dish.
• Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the crumbled bacon over the top of the potato layer.
• Step 8: Bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Step 9: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with the sliced green onions.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 55 minutes
• Total time: 85 minutes
Compared to traditional meatloaf recipes, which can take up to 90 minutes to prepare, this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole saves you 5% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors and a more impressive presentation.
📊 Nutrition Facts
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fat: 31g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 660mg
These Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casseroles provide approximately 58% of your daily protein requirements and 33% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crisp white wine or a hearty red for a satisfying dinner party.
• Complement the casserole with a simple side of garlic bread or warm rolls to soak up the flavorful juices.
• For a family-style gathering, serve the Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole alongside a tossed salad and your favorite dinner rolls or biscuits.
• Create an impressive appetizer platter by slicing the casserole into individual portions and arranging them with a selection of pickles, olives, and crostini.
❓ FAQs
How far in advance can I prepare this casserole?
This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole can be assembled up to 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to bake. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Can I substitute different meats for the meatloaf?
Absolutely! While the combination of ground beef and pork creates a classic meatloaf flavor, you can experiment with other ground meats like turkey or chicken. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to complement the new protein. You can also try a blend of different ground meats for an even more flavorful meatloaf.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make a healthier version of this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole, you can opt for lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork. You can also use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt in place of the sour cream, and reduce the amount of cheese. For an added nutritional boost, consider incorporating grated cauliflower or shredded zucchini into the mashed potato topping.
What if I don’t have all the ingredients on hand?
Don’t worry if you’re missing a few ingredients – this recipe is quite forgiving. You can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or oats, and swap out the herbs and spices with a pre-made meatloaf seasoning mix. If you’re short on potatoes, you can use a combination of potatoes and cauliflower for the topping.
How can I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?
To ensure your meatloaf stays moist and tender, be sure not to overmix the meat mixture. Gently combine the ingredients until just combined, and avoid compacting the meatloaf too tightly in the baking dish. Additionally, basting the meatloaf with a bit of beef broth or tomato sauce during baking can help keep it juicy.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casseroles represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy family dinner or a showstopping main course for a special occasion, they’re sure to impress with their creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So why not treat your loved ones to this comforting, crowd-pleasing dish tonight?
