Meatloaf Casserole

I love this cheesy Meatloaf Casserole recipe for so many reasons. It's so yummy, and each bite gives you moist, well-seasoned meatloaf with rich and fluffy mashed potatoes. It's a lovely mashup of two amazing dishes that work really well together.

This is a great dinner idea if you are looking to try something new. Meat and potatoes can feel a bit stale if you eat them often, but this recipe proves there are different ways to prepare and serve them. I find myself making this for dinner whenever I want a simple home-cooked meal.

If you enjoy easy and delicious casserole recipes, try this million dollar chicken casserole, Green Bean Casserole and Frito pie casserole next!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It's only 15 minutes of active time: I love that this meatloaf mashed potato casserole only takes 15 minutes to prepare before the oven takes over. It gives me more time to relax, especially if it has been a busy day.
• It's budget-friendly: This is a great, cheap recipe, too. The cost of the ingredients is low, and many of them are common enough that you might have them on hand already.
• It makes great leftovers: This meatloaf casserole freezes and reheats well, so you can save it and enjoy it another night for dinner.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: I like 80% lean ground beef, so there's not a huge amount of excess grease, and there's still flavor. Leaner beef tends to be a bit drier and not ideal for meatloaf.
• BBQ sauce: The smoky flavor of the BBQ sauce adds bold flavor but also moisture to the meatloaf layer.
• Breadcrumbs and egg: These work together as a binder for the meatloaf. Feel free to try crushed crackers instead of breadcrumbs, too.
• Worcestershire sauce: This amps up the meaty, umami flavor to balance the salty richness of the mashed potatoes on top.
• Potatoes: Yukon gold and russet potatoes make the best mashed potatoes. They are starchy and mash smoothly without becoming gummy.
• Cheese and bacon: I top the meatloaf casserole with crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese to create a loaded mashed potato vibe on top.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

• Add bacon to the meatloaf: Add chopped, cooked bacon to the meatloaf mixture to add more saltiness and fat to it. 
• Garlic parmesan: Add some parmesan cheese to the meatloaf layer and garlic to the potatoes. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top!
• Cheeseburger: Add ketchup and mustard to the meatloaf instead of BBQ sauce, and garnish the finished casserole with diced pickles if desired for a cheeseburger version.
• More seasonings: Feel free to amp up the seasonings for your meatloaf. This homemade meatloaf seasonings is one of my old standbys!

For more unique meatloaf recipes try this Mexican meatloaf or pork meatloaf next!

How to Make Meatloaf Potato Casserole

Here are the steps you'll need to prepare this loaded potato and meatloaf casserole. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F before you get started.

Step 1: Prepare the meatloaf mixture. Mix together the ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Press the mixture into the pan and bake. Transfer it to the 9x13 pan and press it evenly into the bottom. Place it in the oven and bake it for about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the potatoes. While the meatloaf bakes, boil the potatoes over medium-high heat until they are soft and tender.

Step 4: Mash the potatoes. Add butter, milk, and sour cream, and then mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Finish layering the casserole. Once the meatloaf is ready, grab the pan and spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Sprinkle the cheese and bacon over the potatoes.

Step 6: Bake and serve. Bake it for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Garnish with parsley and enjoy! It's terrific with a side of roasted broccoli and carrots.

If you love recipes like this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole, you may also enjoy this hobo casserole.

Storage Directions 

• Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You may freeze portions in airtight containers or any entire, cooled casserole tightly covered for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat a portion in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. The potatoes get hot quickly, so be careful! You can also reheat the casserole in the oven. Cover with foil and reheat at 350° F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and mashed potato layer ahead of time and store in the fridge separately up to 24 hours before you plan to serve it. When ready, assemble and bake the casserole as directed. Adjust the cooking time as needed to heat the mashed potatoes through.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your meatloaf and mashed potato casserole with a side of maple bacon Brussels sprouts or slow cooker corn on the cob.
• Prepare some homemade fluffy dinner rolls to go on the side.
• Keep it fresh and enjoy an adult beverage like this pineapple rum cocktail.

Meatloaf Casserole

Karin and Ken

This Meatloaf Casserole is layered with tender meatloaf, rich mashed potatoes, and finished with gooey cheese and bacon. It's a mouthwatering yet easy recipe.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 Servings

Calories 893 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• large wooden spoon
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• large saucepan with lid
• potato masher

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 onion finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves finely diced or minced
• ¾ cup bbq sauce
• ⅔ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg lightly whisked
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 pounds potatoes peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
• ½ cup cooked bacon bits
• ¼ finely chopped fresh parsley optional

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Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C.
• Add to a large mixing bowl the onion, garlic, bbq sauce, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper. Mix with a large wooden spoon until well combined.
• Press the meatloaf mixture into the base of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes.
• While the meatloaf is baking, Add the potatoes to a large saucepan and cover with water. Place over a medium-high heat. Bring to the boil, and cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until tender.
• Drain the water from the saucepan, and add the butter, milk and sour cream. Mash the potatoes until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Spread the mashed potato evenly over the meatloaf base. Top with the shredded cheese and bacon bits, and return to the oven to bake for a further 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Top with the fresh parsley, if using, before serving.

Video

Notes

• Refrain from using instant mashed potatoes as they can be much more watery. Use homemade whenever you can.
• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• When making the meatloaf mixture, don't overwork the beef, or it will become tough.

Nutrition

Calories: 893kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 46gFat: 51gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 181mgSodium: 1183mgPotassium: 1322mgFiber: 7gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 587IUVitamin C: 33mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 6mg

Keyword Meatloaf Casserole

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