Description
This Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole combines classic comfort foods — savory meatloaf topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon bits — into one hearty, satisfying dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Topping
- 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 the assembled casserole.
- Prepare Meatloaf: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, finely chopped yellow onion, seasoned dry breadcrumbs, whole milk, beaten egg, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix until just combined, then firmly press the mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish to form the meatloaf base.
- Bake Meatloaf: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. After baking, carefully remove from the oven and drain any excess fat from the dish.
- Cook Potatoes: While the meatloaf bakes, place the peeled and chunked potatoes in a pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes well.
- Make Mashed Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot or a mixing bowl and add the butter, whole milk, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy, ensuring the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the baked meatloaf layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon bits evenly on top of the mashed potatoes.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly cooked and slightly cooled mashed potatoes to prevent the topping from becoming watery.
- You can substitute seasoned dry breadcrumbs with plain breadcrumbs and add your own seasonings if preferred.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the meatloaf after the first bake to avoid a greasy casserole.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before the final bake; just increase baking time slightly to heat through.
- For a healthier option, use lean ground beef or ground turkey and reduce butter in the mashed potatoes.
