If you’re craving a comforting dinner that hits all the right notes, this Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Imagine juicy, flavorful meatloaf nestled beneath a layer of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, all topped with crispy bacon and gooey cheddar cheese. This dish brings together the best of classic comfort foods, turning them into a satisfying, family-friendly casserole that’s perfect for any night of the week. The combination of hearty meat, fluffy potatoes, and savory toppings makes it a go-to recipe that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together in this recipe to build layers of rich flavor and homey comfort. Each component plays a vital role—whether it’s adding moisture, texture, or that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Ground beef (1 ½ pounds, 85/15): Provides juicy, flavorful meatloaf base with just the right fat content for moistness.
- Yellow onion (¼, finely chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
- Seasoned dry breadcrumbs (â…” cup): Helps bind the meatloaf and keeps it tender.
- Whole milk (⅓ cup + ½ cup): Keeps the meatloaf moist and makes the mashed potatoes wonderfully creamy.
- Large egg (1, lightly beaten): Acts as a binder to hold meatloaf ingredients together.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon + 1 teaspoon): Essential seasoning to enhance all flavors throughout the dish.
- Coarse ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon + ¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and balances the richness.
- Potatoes (2 pounds, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks): The star for creamy mashed potatoes topping.
- Unsalted butter (â…“ cup): Enriches the mashed potatoes with smooth buttery flavor.
- Bacon bits (½ cup, cooked and crumbled): Provides delicious smoky crunch as a final topping.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully to add gooey, savory goodness over the top.
How to Make Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start things off right by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the baking dish reaches the perfect temperature to cook the meatloaf evenly and later crisp the cheesy topping just right.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground beef, finely chopped onion, seasoned breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix—lightly combining these ingredients keeps your meatloaf tender and juicy. Then press the mixture evenly into a 9×9-inch baking dish, making a nice flat layer to serve as the casserole base.
Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf Layer
Place the meatloaf layer in the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Once it’s partially cooked, remove the dish and carefully drain off any excess fat. This step is key to avoid greasiness in your casserole and ensures a cleaner flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
While your meatloaf is baking, boil the peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Testing with a fork should show they’re soft throughout, perfect for making creamy mashed potatoes.
Step 5: Mash Potatoes and Combine Flavors
Drain the potatoes well then add the butter, milk, kosher salt, and pepper. Mash them thoroughly until smooth and velvety. These mashed potatoes will form a rich, comforting layer that cradles the meatloaf underneath perfectly.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Spread your luscious mashed potatoes evenly over the baked meatloaf layer. Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon bits. This combo will add irresistible cheesy melt and smoky crispness, giving the casserole a delightful finish.
Step 7: Final Bake
Return the assembled casserole to the oven for an additional 15 minutes. Bake until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges. This final bake melds all the flavors together and creates a beautifully inviting dish.
How to Serve Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a burst of color and a gentle fresh note that contrasts lovely with the rich casserole. Don’t be shy about a little extra bacon on top either—it amps up both flavor and texture beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty casserole with light, crisp sides like a simple mixed green salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness. A tangy coleslaw also provides a perfect refreshing crunch that complements the creamy layers.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to up the wow factor, serve individual portions scooped from the casserole onto warm plates with a drizzle of your favorite brown gravy or BBQ sauce. For a festive touch, try layering the casserole in smaller ramekins for personal servings at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps very well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil to maintain moisture. Leftovers often taste even better the next day as the flavors intensify overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire assembled casserole before the final bake. Wrap it securely in foil and place inside a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed to enjoy the same comforting taste whenever you want.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese topping is bubbly again. For quicker meals, microwave individual slices covered loosely to retain moisture but finish with a quick oven broil for crispiness if desired.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner version. Just be mindful that these meats can dry out quicker, so adding a bit more milk or a splash of olive oil to the mixture can help keep the meatloaf moist.
What type of potatoes work best for the mashed topping?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this casserole. Russets yield fluffy, light mashed potatoes, while Yukon Golds offer a creamier, naturally buttery texture, both complementing the meatloaf beautifully.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the seasoned dry breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Just double-check all seasonings and toppings to ensure they’re gluten-free too.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole completely ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare and assemble the entire casserole a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just pop it into the oven and bake until heated through and bubbly.
How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from drying out during baking?
Making sure your mashed potatoes are well buttered and moistened with milk helps keep them creamy. Covering the casserole with foil during the initial bake portion or basting with a little extra milk can also prevent drying.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a comforting dish that brings together the flavors of classic meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes with an irresistible cheesy bacon topping, this Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Easy to prepare, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with loved ones, it’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your family’s favorites!
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Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring a savory ground beef meatloaf base topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon bits. This casserole combines the flavors of a classic meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes into a convenient, oven-baked meal that serves six.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (85/15)
- ¼ yellow onion, finely chopped
- â…” cup seasoned dry breadcrumbs
- â…“ 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
- â…“ 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 get it ready for baking the meatloaf and casserole.
- Prepare Meatloaf: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, finely chopped yellow onion, seasoned dry breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup whole milk, lightly beaten egg, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep it tender. Press this mixture evenly into a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Bake Meatloaf: Place the baking dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After baking, carefully remove the dish from the oven and drain any excess fat to ensure the casserole isn’t greasy.
- Cook Potatoes: While the meatloaf is baking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the peeled and chunked potatoes. Boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 15 minutes, then drain well.
- Make Mashed Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot or a large bowl. Add ⅓ cup unsalted butter, ½ cup whole milk, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning if needed.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the partially baked meatloaf in the baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, do not overmix the meatloaf ingredients to keep the texture tender.
- Use freshly cooked bacon bits for better flavor, or substitute with pre-cooked packaged bacon bits.
- You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat gently before assembling.
- Feel free to swap cheddar cheese for your favorite melting cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
