There’s something magical about the scent of a savory casserole baking in the oven on a crisp evening. Maybe it’s a chilly fall night, the kind where everyone wants to gather around the table for a warm, hearty meal. Or perhaps it’s a lazy Sunday, perfect for indulging in some much-needed comfort food. This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole is the kind of recipe that turns a regular dinner into something worth remembering.

Inspired by the home-cooked meals my grandmother used to make, this dish brings together two classic favorites—meatloaf and mashed potatoes—into one glorious, cheesy, oven-baked masterpiece. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a potluck, this recipe delivers flavor, comfort, and plenty of “Can I have seconds?”

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole

This recipe is more than just a dinner idea—it’s a full experience of taste and texture. Here’s what makes it irresistible:

Layered Flavor: You’ve got juicy, seasoned ground beef forming the base, topped with fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes.
Cheesy Goodness: Melted cheddar and a sprinkle of green onions give it that extra “wow” factor.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it earlier in the day and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Customizable: Swap out beef for turkey, or add crispy bacon bits for even more indulgence.
Kid-Approved: The familiar flavors make this a hit with even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatloaf Base:

1.5 pounds ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup ketchup

For the Loaded Potato Layer:

2 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a medium-sized baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and ensures an easy cleanup later.

2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Pro Tip:

Don’t overmix the meat—doing so can make it tough. Mix just until everything is combined.

3. Add the Ketchup Layer

Spread the 1/2 cup of ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This not only adds flavor but helps create a nice glaze.

4. First Bake

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. This step allows the meatloaf to start setting up before the potato layer is added.

5. Prepare the Potatoes

While the meatloaf is baking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add your peeled, sliced potatoes. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and return to the pot.

Add the sour cream, milk, and butter. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

6. Assemble the Casserole

After the initial 25 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the meatloaf layer.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by chopped green onions.

7. Final Bake

Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

8. Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps everything set and makes serving easier.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is rich and satisfying on its own, but here are a few simple sides that pair beautifully:

Steamed green beans with a touch of lemon zest
Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts
A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette
Garlic bread for extra indulgence

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This casserole actually gets better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Freezing:

Yes, you can freeze it! Once fully baked and cooled, wrap the casserole tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.

Tips for Success

Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds—they mash up creamy and hold up well when baked.
Grate your own cheese if possible. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Add mix-ins like cooked bacon bits or a dash of hot sauce to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
Make it low-carb by swapping mashed cauliflower for the potato layer.

Make It Your Own: Variations to Try

1. BBQ Twist

Replace ketchup with barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy spin on the classic.

2. Tex-Mex Style

Add a tablespoon of taco seasoning to the meat mixture and top the casserole with shredded Mexican cheese blend and a sprinkle of jalapeños.

3. Italian-Inspired

Mix some marinara sauce into the beef and top the potatoes with mozzarella and Italian herbs.

4. Veggie Boost

Sneak in finely chopped carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meatloaf mix for added nutrition.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~600 kcal
Protein: 32g
Fat: 36g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 720mg

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on brands and substitutions used.

What Makes This Recipe So Shareable?

Recipes that bring comfort and nostalgia are always a hit. This one combines the essence of a meatloaf dinner with the fun and indulgence of a loaded baked potato. It’s familiar, but with a delicious twist. Whether you’re posting on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook, this casserole is picture-perfect and packed with crowd-pleasing flavor.

Looking to go viral with your food pics? Top with a drizzle of sour cream or sprinkle of crispy fried onions before serving for extra drama.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

If there were a hall of fame for comfort food, this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole would be a top contender. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for those times when you just want a meal that feels like a warm hug. Simple enough for a weeknight, yet satisfying enough to serve guests, this recipe ticks all the right boxes.

Whether it’s your first time making a meatloaf or you’re a mashed potato pro, this dish brings both worlds together in the most delicious way possible.