Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

Welcome to a hearty meal that promises to be a centerpiece at your dinner table! Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole combines the savory flavors of meatloaf with the creamy richness of mashed potatoes, topped with melted cheese and crispy bacon. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you crave something deeply satisfying. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

To prepare this casserole, you will need:

• Meatloaf Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef or turkey
  • ½ cup of finely chopped white onion
  • 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
  • 1 cup of seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • ⅓ cup of cottage cheese
  • ½ cup of BBQ sauce
• Potato Layer Ingredients:
  • 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and diced
  • ½ cup of unsalted butter
  • ½ cup of sour cream
  • ½ cup of warm milk or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• Toppings:
  • 6 slices of thick bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy release of the casserole once baked.

2. Mix the Meatloaf: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat (beef or turkey), chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, beaten egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce. Thoroughly mix these ingredients to evenly distribute the flavors. Spread this mixture into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30 minutes.

3. Boil and Mash the Potatoes: While your meatloaf is baking, boil the peeled and diced potatoes until they are tender. Drain the water and mash the potatoes with butter, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper until they are smooth and creamy.

4. Layer and Top the Casserole: Once the meatloaf has cooked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven. Carefully drain any excess grease that may have surfaced. Layer the mashed potatoes over the meatloaf, ensuring an even spread. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon, adding that irresistible crunchy texture.

5. Final Bake: Place the casserole back into the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the potato layer is heated through and the cheese has melted beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but feel free to pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to add a touch of freshness. It serves approximately 4 people, making it perfect for a family dinner.

Prep and Cook Times

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

This casserole is not just a dish; it’s a comforting hug on a plate. Whether it’s a chilly winter night or a casual family gathering, this Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole will bring warmth and smiles to your table. Enjoy the melding of flavors and textures that make this recipe a must-try for any meat and potatoes lover!

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