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If you’ve been searching for a comforting, all-in-one dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It brings together juicy, seasoned meatloaf baked right in a dish and topped with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, crispy bacon bits, and melted cheddar cheese, creating a hearty and nostalgic feast the whole family will adore. Each bite combines the best of savory flavors and satisfying textures, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a special weekend treat that never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy or complicated ingredients for this dish to taste amazing. Each component plays a crucial role — from the ground beef that forms a flavorful base, to the tender potatoes that create that irresistible creamy topping. Together, these ingredients marry taste, texture, and color beautifully into one unforgettable casserole.
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (85/15): The perfect balance of lean meat and fat ensures juicy, flavorful meatloaf.
- ¼ yellow onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and moisture to the meat mixture.
- ⅔ cup seasoned dry breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf while adding a gentle texture.
- ⅓ cup whole milk: Keeps the meatloaf tender and moist for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten: Acts as a natural binder to hold everything together perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper: Provides a subtle kick and depth to the seasoning.
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks: The star of the mashed potato topping, offering creamy texture and comfort.
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter: Makes the mashed potatoes rich and velvety.
- ½ cup whole milk: Allows you to mash the potatoes to a smooth, fluffy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Seasoning for perfectly balanced mashed potatoes.
- ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper: A touch of warmth in the potato layer.
- ½ cup bacon bits, cooked and crumbled: Adds irresistible smoky crunch on top.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts to create a gooey, tangy lid that completes this casserole.
How to Make Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures your meatloaf cooks evenly while the casserole finishes with a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef, chopped onion, seasoned breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overwork the mixture so it stays tender. Press this mixture evenly into a 9×9-inch baking dish, creating a solid base for your casserole.
Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf
Bake the meatloaf uncovered for 15 minutes. Once done, carefully remove it from the oven and drain any excess fat. This step keeps the dish hearty without becoming greasy, enhancing the overall flavor balance.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
While your meatloaf is baking, place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Boil until they are fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Properly cooked potatoes ensure your mashed topping is perfectly smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Make the Mashed Potatoes
Drain the potatoes thoroughly, then add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together until your mixture is luxuriously smooth and fluffy, ready to spread atop the meatloaf layer.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Gently spread the mashed potatoes evenly over your partially baked meatloaf. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon bits. This layering gives you that classic comfort-food look and flavor.
Step 7: Final Bake
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes. Your cheese will melt into a bubbly, golden blanket while the bacon crisps up just right, completing this divine Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe.
How to Serve Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of color and a hint of brightness to balance the richness of the casserole. Consider a light drizzle of ketchup or a smoky barbecue sauce to elevate the flavors and bring a touch of tangy sweetness to the plate.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is already hearty, complement it with crisp green veggies like steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans with garlic, or a simple mixed salad. These sides add a refreshing crunch and fresh flavors that brighten the meal without competing with the star casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions scooped straight from the pan or try layering the casserole in clear glass dishes for a fun visual effect showing off the meat, potatoes, cheese, and bacon layers. You can also cut it into neat squares for party platters or potlucks, delivering comfort food in a charming, shareable format.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your leftover Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe to room temperature, then cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Proper storage keeps it fresh and delicious, making for easy, comforting meals later in the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely or transfer portions into airtight containers, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a cozy meal quickly, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat leftovers covered in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20–25 minutes. You’ll preserve that delightful mash creaminess and melted cheese goodness better than using a microwave.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the seasoned dry breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. This swaps out the gluten without sacrificing the delicious binding and texture in your meatloaf layer.
Is it possible to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well, but they tend to be leaner, so consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or grated vegetables like zucchini to keep the meatloaf from drying out.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to the final bake step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Just add the last 15 minutes of baking time to warm and melt the cheese before serving.
What type of potatoes is best for making the mashed potatoes?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal. They mash easily into creamy, fluffy potatoes without becoming gummy, which perfectly complements the rich meatloaf layer.
Any tips for crispier bacon topping?
Use fully cooked bacon bits or cook your bacon until they’re very crispy before crumbling. Sprinkle them on just before the final bake to ensure they stay crunchy while the cheese melts beautifully beneath.
Final Thoughts
This Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is one of those golden, keeper dishes that feels like home from the very first bite. It’s comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make — perfect for feeding hungry family or impressing guests with classic flavors. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again for a warm, hearty meal that always hits the spot.
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Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-dish meal combining seasoned ground beef meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, topped with crispy bacon bits and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole bakes all components together for a delicious layered dish packed with flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (85/15)
- ¼ yellow onion, finely chopped
- ⅔ cup seasoned dry breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Toppings
- ½ cup bacon bits, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf and casserole.
- Prepare Meatloaf: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, finely chopped yellow onion, seasoned dry breadcrumbs, whole milk, lightly beaten egg, kosher salt, and coarse black pepper. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the meat. Then press the mixture firmly into a 9×9-inch baking dish, shaping an even layer.
- Bake Meatloaf: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After baking, carefully remove the dish and drain any excess fat that has accumulated at the bottom.
- Cook Potatoes: While the meatloaf is baking, place the peeled and cut potatoes in a pot with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil and cook until tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes thoroughly once done.
- Make Mashed Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot or a mixing bowl. Add unsalted butter, whole milk, kosher salt, and coarse ground black pepper. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well-incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the partially baked meatloaf in the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of the mashed potatoes, followed by an even layer of cooked and crumbled bacon bits.
- Final Bake: Return the assembled casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden in spots. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a smoother mashed potato texture, warm the milk before mixing it in.
- You can substitute the bacon bits with cooked pancetta or omit for a vegetarian topping option by replacing with extra cheese or herbs.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing easier.
- Season the mashed potatoes to taste if you prefer less or more salt and pepper.
- Using 85/15 ground beef provides a good balance of flavor and moisture without excessive fat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
