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
Scale
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
