Dive into a hearty casserole with creamy mashed potatoes, succulent ground beef (or turkey), crispy bacon, and melted cheddar.
Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, blending the savory flavors of a traditional meatloaf with the creamy, cheesy goodness of loaded potatoes. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, and even meal prepping for the week. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the recipe, explore its ingredients, preparation methods, and provide helpful tips to make the perfect casserole every time.
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Ingredients:
Meat:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Thick-cut bacon | 6 slices, cooked and crumbled |
| Ground beef or turkey | 1 1/2 lbs, lean |
Produce:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minced garlic | 1 tbsp |
| Potatoes | 2 lbs, peeled and thinly sliced |
| Diced white onion | 1/2 cup |
Refrigerated:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Large egg | 1 |
Condiments:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Barbecue sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
Baking & Spices:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Kosher salt | 1 tsp |
Bread & Baked Goods:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Seasoned bread crumbs | 1 cup |
Dairy:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 1/2 cups |
| Cottage cheese | 1/3 cup |
| Milk or half-and-half | 1/2 cup |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
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Step 2: Prepare Potatoes
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the thinly sliced potatoes for about 5 minutes, just until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
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Step 3: Cook Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, minced garlic, diced onion, egg, bread crumbs, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble Casserole
Spread the meatloaf mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with the cooked and drained potatoes, spreading them out in an even layer. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the potatoes.
Step 5: Prepare Cheese Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown. Gradually whisk in the milk or half-and-half until smooth. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cottage cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the casserole. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with dollops of sour cream and chopped chives or green onions if desired.
