🥔 Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Fusion

Picture this: It’s a chilly evening, the kind that calls for something hearty, warm, and undeniably comforting. You’re not in the mood for a fussy gourmet meal—you want real food that hits the soul. Enter the Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole, a dish that blends two timeless classics into one incredibly satisfying family favorite.

This recipe was inspired by Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house—where meatloaf was always on the table, and mashed potatoes were never far behind. It’s a tribute to those simple, cozy meals that somehow managed to bring everyone together. But we’ve taken things up a notch, turning the comfort duo into a layered casserole masterpiece, crowned with cheesy, creamy potatoes and bursting with flavor in every bite.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a potluck hero, or the star of your holiday spread, this casserole is the kind of dish that gets requested again and again.

⭐ Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

This isn’t just another meatloaf recipe. Here’s what makes this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole stand out:

Two classic dishes, one easy bake – Why choose between meatloaf and mashed potatoes when you can have both?
Family-friendly and freezer-friendly – Perfect for meal prep or feeding a hungry crowd.
Layered textures and bold flavors – Juicy meatloaf, fluffy potatoes, gooey cheese, and fresh green onions.
Customizable and forgiving – Add bacon, swap in cauliflower mash, or spice it up with jalapeños.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Savory Meatloaf Base:

1.5 pounds ground beef (85/15 blend for optimal juiciness)
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or substitute with crushed crackers)
1/4 cup whole milk
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup ketchup (for that signature glaze)

For the Loaded Potato Crown:

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
1/4 cup warm milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
Salt and white pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break this casserole down into layers of flavor and love.

Step 1: Create Your Flavor Foundation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a touch of olive oil. This will help with easy cleanup and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Build the Perfect Meatloaf Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Ground beef
Diced onion
Minced garlic
Breadcrumbs
Milk
Egg
Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper

Use clean hands to gently mix just until everything is evenly combined. Avoid overmixing—that’s the key to a tender, juicy meatloaf rather than a dense, tough one.

Step 3: Shape and Glaze

Press the meat mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish to form a uniform, flat layer. Then, spread 1/2 cup ketchup across the top. This not only adds flavor but also creates a glossy, caramelized glaze during baking.

Step 4: Begin the First Bake

Place the meatloaf layer in your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This partial cook allows the meat to set up before adding the potato topping, ensuring a perfect texture in every layer.

Step 5: Perfect the Potato Layer

While the meatloaf bakes:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the sliced Yukon Gold potatoes.
Boil for about 15 minutes, until fork-tender.
Drain well and return to the pot.

Mash the potatoes with:

Sour cream
Warm milk
Melted butter

Mash until creamy and fluffy. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.

💡 Want to add a little extra flair? Fold in crispy bacon bits or roasted garlic at this stage!

Step 6: Assemble the Masterpiece

Remove the dish from the oven. Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the meatloaf layer, using a spatula to smooth it out or create decorative swirls and peaks (which will get golden and delicious).

Top with:

Shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped green onions

Step 7: Complete the Transformation

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until:

The cheese is bubbly and golden
The internal temperature of the meat reaches 160°F for safe serving

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers firm up and makes for cleaner servings.