Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole up to the point of the final baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply add about 10-15 minutes to the final baking time since you'll be starting with a cold dish. It's perfect for prepping on a Sunday for a busy Monday dinner.

What can I substitute for cottage cheese in the meatloaf?

If you're not a fan of cottage cheese or don't have it on hand, ricotta cheese works wonderfully as a direct substitute. You could also use plain Greek yogurt or an additional egg to maintain moisture. Each will change the flavor profile slightly, but all will help create a moist, delicious meatloaf.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

While homemade mashed potatoes deliver the best flavor and texture, you can absolutely use instant mashed potatoes in a pinch. Prepare them according to package directions, but make them slightly thicker than usual since they'll be going on top of the meatloaf. Add the sour cream and butter to enhance the flavor.

How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

The safest way to check doneness is using an instant-read thermometer – the meatloaf layer should reach 160°F for beef or 165°F for turkey. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the center after the initial 30-minute bake; the meat should be mostly cooked with just a hint of pink that will finish cooking during the final bake with the potato topping.

Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Name: Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef or turkey; ½ cup chopped white onion; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; ⅓ cup cottage cheese; ½ cup BBQ sauce; 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced; ½ cup butter; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup warm milk, or half and half; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 6 slices thick bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded

This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is comfort food at its finest – combining two classic favorites into one incredible dish! Savory meatloaf forms the base layer, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon bits. Ready in just over an hour, this hearty casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something substantial but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of flavors and textures creates an irresistible meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Two-in-One Comfort Food: Get the best of both worlds with meatloaf and loaded mashed potatoes in one delicious dish. It’s like having your favorite diner meal at home!
Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike go crazy for this casserole. The familiar flavors combined in a new way make dinner exciting without being too adventurous.
Make-Ahead Marvel: This dish is perfect for meal prep – you can prepare components ahead of time or make the entire casserole and reheat when needed.
Customizable: Easy to adapt based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. It’s hard to go wrong with this forgiving recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef or Turkey: The foundation of our meatloaf layer. Lean ground beef gives classic flavor, while turkey offers a lighter option without sacrificing taste.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add depth and complexity to the meatloaf. Don’t skimp here – they’re essential flavor builders!
Bread Crumbs: Help bind the meatloaf together while adding texture. The seasoned variety brings extra flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds that umami punch that makes meatloaf irresistible. Just a tablespoon makes a big difference!
Egg: Works as a binding agent to help the meatloaf hold together during baking.
Cottage Cheese: A secret ingredient that keeps the meatloaf incredibly moist. You won’t taste it specifically, but you’ll miss it if it’s gone!
BBQ Sauce: Adds sweetness, tanginess, and a lovely glaze-like quality to the meatloaf layer.
Potatoes: Russets work beautifully here, but you can use Yukon golds for a buttery flavor. They’re the canvas for our loaded potato topping.
Butter, Sour Cream, and Milk: The trio that creates perfectly creamy, indulgent mashed potatoes that stand up to the meatloaf below.
Bacon: Adds smoky crunch and that unmistakable flavor that makes everything better. Use thick-cut for the best texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Creates that gooey, melty layer that bridges the potatoes and meatloaf. Sharp cheddar brings the most flavor bang for your buck.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Swap Your Protein

Turn this into a turkey or chicken version by using ground poultry instead of beef. You could even try a mixture of beef and pork for a meatloaf that tastes like a really good burger!

Change Your Cheese

While cheddar is classic, try pepper jack for a spicy kick, smoked gouda for depth, or a combination of your favorites. Blue cheese crumbles added to the potato layer are incredible if you’re feeling adventurous!

Add More Veggies

Mix diced bell peppers into the meatloaf mixture, or fold some steamed broccoli or spinach into the mashed potatoes for added nutrition and color.

Make it Spicy

Add diced jalapeños to the meatloaf mixture and use pepper jack cheese on top for a version with some heat. A dash of cayenne in the potatoes works wonders too!

How to Make Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Meatloaf Base

Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, beaten egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce. Mix until just combined – overmixing can make your meatloaf tough!

Step 2: Bake the Meatloaf Layer

Spread the meatloaf mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the meat is mostly cooked through.

Step 3: Make Perfect Mashed Potatoes

While the meatloaf bakes, add the peeled and diced potatoes to a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well, then return to the pot. Add butter and beat with a hand mixer until smooth. Mix in the sour cream, warm milk, salt, and pepper until you have creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes.

Step 4: Assemble and Finish Baking

Once the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven and carefully pour off any excess grease. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf layer, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon bits. Return to the oven for another 15 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully melted and just beginning to brown at the edges.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set up and makes it easier to cut neat portions. Serve hot with your favorite veggie side dish!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatloaf ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough meatloaf.
Drain the Grease: Taking the time to drain off excess fat from the meatloaf layer is crucial for preventing a greasy final dish.
Potato Perfection: Start potatoes in cold water for even cooking, and make sure to drain them thoroughly before mashing to avoid watery potatoes.
Pre-Cook Your Bacon: Make sure your bacon is fully cooked and crispy before adding it to the top. This ensures the perfect texture in the finished dish.
Even Layers: Taking care to spread each layer evenly helps ensure that every bite has a perfect ratio of meatloaf to potatoes to toppings.

How to Serve

This hearty casserole really shines when paired with sides that complement without competing with its rich flavors.

Simple Sides

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides the perfect fresh counterpoint to the richness of the casserole. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli also make excellent veggie pairings.

Sauce It Up

While this dish is flavorful on its own, setting out extra BBQ sauce, ketchup, or even a mushroom gravy gives everyone options to customize their plate.

Complete the Meal

For a true comfort food feast, serve with buttery dinner rolls or cornbread on the side. Perfect for sopping up any savory bits left on the plate!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually meld and improve overnight, making for fantastic next-day lunches!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! You can freeze the entire assembled casserole (before the final baking) or freeze portions of the finished dish. Wrap well in plastic wrap and foil or use airtight containers. Freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Heat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or place refrigerated leftovers in a 375°F oven until heated through (about 20-30 minutes). Cover with foil if the top starts to brown too much.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole up to the point of the final baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply add about 10-15 minutes to the final baking time since you’ll be starting with a cold dish. It’s perfect for prepping on a Sunday for a busy Monday dinner.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese in the meatloaf?

If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese or don’t have it on hand, ricotta cheese works wonderfully as a direct substitute. You could also use plain Greek yogurt or an additional egg to maintain moisture. Each will change the flavor profile slightly, but all will help create a moist, delicious meatloaf.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

While homemade mashed potatoes deliver the best flavor and texture, you can absolutely use instant mashed potatoes in a pinch. Prepare them according to package directions, but make them slightly thicker than usual since they’ll be going on top of the meatloaf. Add the sour cream and butter to enhance the flavor.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

The safest way to check doneness is using an instant-read thermometer – the meatloaf layer should reach 160°F for beef or 165°F for turkey. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center after the initial 30-minute bake; the meat should be mostly cooked with just a hint of pink that will finish cooking during the final bake with the potato topping.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole brings together two beloved comfort foods in one spectacular dish. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying without the fuss of preparing multiple dishes. The combination of savory meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon creates a meal that’s sure to become a regular request in your household. Give it a try tonight – I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!