Hearty Meatloaf Potato Casserole

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Growing up, meatloaf and mashed potatoes were always served side by side on our dinner plates. My mom would carefully portion everything out, making sure the meat and potatoes never touched. It wasn’t until I had my own kitchen that I wondered – why keep these two comfort foods separated?

That’s when I started experimenting with combining them into one dish, and this meatloaf potato casserole was born. It’s basically everything you love about both dishes, layered together in a single pan. And honestly? It’s easier than making them separately, which is always a win in my book.

What Kind of Ground Meat Should I Use?

For this recipe, you can use either ground beef or ground turkey – both will give you great results, though each brings something different to the table. If you’re going with beef, look for lean ground beef that’s about 85-90% lean, which gives you enough fat to keep the meatloaf moist without making it greasy. Ground turkey can make a lighter version, but since it’s naturally leaner, you’ll want to make sure you don’t overcook it. When shopping, check that your ground meat is fresh and has a bright color – for beef, it should be red rather than brown, and for turkey, it should be light pink. Remember to bring the meat to room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients for the best texture.

Options for Substitutions

This comforting casserole is pretty adaptable – here are some easy swaps you can try:

• Ground meat: While the recipe calls for lean ground beef or turkey, you can use ground chicken, pork, or even a mix of meats. Just keep in mind that fattier meats might release more grease during cooking.
• Bread crumbs: Out of bread crumbs? Crushed crackers, rolled oats, or crushed corn flakes work great. Use the same amount as you would bread crumbs.
• Cottage cheese: You can swap cottage cheese with ricotta cheese, or even cream cheese if you’re in a pinch. Greek yogurt works too, though the texture will be slightly different.
• Sour cream: Plain Greek yogurt makes a perfect substitute for sour cream in the mashed potatoes. You can also use cream cheese for extra richness.
• Cheddar cheese: Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Colby, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend. Each will give its own unique flavor to the dish.
• Bacon: If you’re not using bacon, try crispy fried onions, crushed potato chips, or even pepperoni for that salty, crispy element on top.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making meatloaf potato casserole is ending up with a dry, dense meatloaf – to avoid this, don’t overmix the meat mixture as this will make it tough, and instead gently combine the ingredients just until they’re evenly distributed. For the creamiest mashed potato topping, a common mistake is using cold dairy ingredients, so make sure your butter, sour cream, and milk are at room temperature before mixing them into your potatoes. Another crucial tip is to let your meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes after baking before adding the potato layer – this prevents the meat juices from making the potatoes watery and helps the meatloaf hold its shape when serving. To get that perfect golden-brown top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning the cheese and bacon topping.

What to Serve With Meatloaf Potato Casserole?

Since this hearty dish combines meat and potatoes in one, you’ll want to balance it out with some lighter sides. A simple steamed vegetable like green beans or broccoli adds a nice pop of color and freshness to the plate. For something with a bit of tang, try serving a crisp side salad with vinaigrette dressing or some roasted Brussels sprouts with a touch of balsamic. If you’re feeding a crowd, warm dinner rolls are always welcome at the table – they’re perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the meatloaf!

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This hearty meatloaf potato casserole stays good in the fridge for up to 4 days when kept in an airtight container. It’s actually one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together!

Freeze: You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. If you’re planning to freeze portions, divide them into smaller containers before freezing – it makes reheating so much easier.

Reheat: To warm up your casserole, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes if refrigerated, or 45-50 minutes if frozen (make sure to thaw it overnight first). You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method helps maintain the nice texture of the mashed potatoes. Add a sprinkle of cheese on top during the last few minutes of reheating for an extra treat!

Preparation Time	15-25 minutes
Cooking Time	45-60 minutes
Total Time	60-85 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2800-3200
• Protein: 150-170 g
• Fat: 180-200 g
• Carbohydrates: 200-220 g

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
• 1 cup flavored bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
• 1 large egg, lightly whisked
• 1/3 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup warm milk (or half and half)
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and broken into pieces
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F.

Spray a 9×13 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the meatloaf later on.

Set the prepared pan aside while you combine the ingredients for the meatloaf.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the hamburger, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce.

Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 3: Shape and Cook the Meatloaf

Transfer the meatloaf mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer.

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes.

This will allow the flavors to meld and the meat to start cooking through.

Step 4: Cook and Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

While the meatloaf is baking, add the potatoes to a separate pan and cover them with water.

Cook over medium heat until the potatoes are tender, then drain the water from the pan.

Add butter to the hot potatoes and use a hand mixer to beat until combined.

Add sour cream, warm milk, salt, and pepper, mixing again until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish and Finish Cooking

After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf pan from the oven and carefully pour off any excess grease that may have accumulated.

Spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the top of the cooked meatloaf.

Sprinkle cheddar cheese and bacon bits on top of the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.

Return the pan to the oven and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through and the cheese has melted to your liking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven once the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal!