There’s something magical about the scent of meatloaf baking in the oven—rich, savory, and nostalgic. Pair it with buttery mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole isn’t just a recipe; it’s a story on a plate. It brings together two beloved American comfort food staples into a single, satisfying dish that evokes memories of Sunday dinners and holiday gatherings.

Growing up, meatloaf was a staple at our family table. My grandmother made it with care and patience, always adding a layer of mashed potatoes on the side, seasoned just right. This version layers those memories into one dish: a juicy, well-seasoned meatloaf base topped with loaded mashed potatoes—fluffy, cheesy, and speckled with green onions. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly makes you feel at home, no matter where you are.

Perfect for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish turns simple ingredients into something incredibly special. Let’s dive into what makes this casserole a keeper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pan Wonder: Meat and potatoes in one dish—less cleanup, more comfort.
• Hearty & Filling: Great for feeding a crowd or ensuring leftovers for the next day.
• Kid-Friendly: Familiar flavors even picky eaters can get behind.
• Customizable: Swap cheeses, add veggies, or tweak spices to make it your own.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Meatloaf Layer:

• 1½ pounds ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Loaded Potato Topping:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Extra shredded cheese
• Additional chopped green onions
• Drizzle of sour cream

How to Make Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

Let’s turn this cozy classic into reality.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Meatloaf Base

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overmix or the meatloaf can turn tough.

Press the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or loaf pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).

2. Make the Loaded Potato Topping

While the meatloaf bakes, scrub the russet potatoes and poke a few holes in each. Bake them in the oven or microwave until fork-tender. Once cool enough to handle, scoop the insides into a large bowl.

Mash with butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Fold in the cheddar cheese and green onions. You can also stir in the mozzarella for extra gooeyness.

3. Assemble and Finish Baking

Once the meatloaf is done, carefully spread the mashed potato mixture over the top. Sprinkle with extra cheese and green onions if using.

Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes.

Let it sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Shortcut Alert: Use store-bought mashed potatoes in a pinch, but fresh is best.
• Flavor Booster: Add sautéed mushrooms or chopped bell peppers to the meatloaf mix for extra depth.
• Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance; bake when ready.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

NOTES:

• This recipe can easily be doubled for a crowd.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check your condiments.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~600
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 35g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Ground lamb or turkey both work beautifully.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap in dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives. Use olive oil instead of butter.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Let the casserole cool completely, then portion and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Related Recipes:

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Chili Cheese Fries
• A Cozy Twist on a Classic: Healthy Zucchini Lasagna
• Easy Hobo Casserole
• Honey Garlic Steak Bites

CONCLUSION:

This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole brings heart, history, and home into every bite. It’s the kind of dish that brings families around the table and turns an ordinary night into a cozy, memorable one. Whether you’re cooking for your kids, hosting a potluck, or just feeding yourself something comforting, this recipe never fails to satisfy.

Print