If you love classic meatloaf and fully loaded baked potatoes, this Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole brings the best of both worlds together in one cozy, satisfying dish. Juicy, well-seasoned meatloaf forms the base, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and all your favorite loaded potato toppings.

This casserole is rich, filling, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. It’s the kind of meal that feels nostalgic and indulgent—ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving serious comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

This casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Two comfort food favorites in one dish
Hearty, filling, and family-friendly
Perfect for make-ahead meals

Budget-friendly ingredients
Easy to customize with toppings
Great for leftovers

If meatloaf night and baked potato night are both favorites in your house, this recipe is the perfect solution.

What Is Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole?

Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole is a layered dish made with:

A savory meatloaf base

A thick layer of creamy mashed potatoes
Cheese, bacon, and classic loaded potato toppings

Baked together, the flavors meld into a rich, comforting casserole that’s easier to serve than traditional meatloaf and even more satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, classic ingredients that deliver big flavor.

For the Meatloaf Layer

Ground beef (or a beef/pork mix)
Eggs

Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
Milk
Onion (finely chopped)

Garlic
Ketchup or BBQ sauce
Salt and black pepper

For the Mashed Potato Layer

Potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold)
Butter
Milk or cream

Salt and pepper

Loaded Toppings

Shredded cheddar cheese
Cooked bacon (crumbled)

Green onions or chives
Sour cream (for serving)

Best Potatoes for Loaded Potato Casserole

Choosing the right potatoes makes all the difference.

Russet Potatoes

Fluffy and starchy
Classic baked potato flavor
Great for creamy mashed potatoes

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Naturally buttery
Slightly creamier texture
Excellent for smooth mash

Either works well, or use a combination for extra richness.

How to Make Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel and boil potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 3: Press Meatloaf into Baking Dish

Spread the meatloaf mixture evenly into a greased casserole dish, pressing lightly to form a solid base.

Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf Layer

Bake until partially cooked. This helps release excess grease and ensures a firm base.

Step 5: Add Mashed Potatoes

Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf layer.

Step 6: Add Loaded Toppings

Sprinkle shredded cheese and crumbled bacon over the potatoes.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Return to the oven and bake until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Top with green onions or chives and serve with sour cream if desired.

Texture and Flavor Profile

This casserole is:

Juicy and savory on the bottom
Creamy and fluffy on top

Cheesy, smoky, and rich
Filling without being dry

Each bite delivers layers of classic comfort food flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best Meatloaf Casserole

Don’t overmix the meat—it keeps the meatloaf tender
Pre-bake the meatloaf layer to avoid excess grease
Use freshly mashed potatoes for the smoothest topping

Add cheese at the end for best melt
Let it rest before slicing for clean servings

Meat Options and Variations

Ground Turkey Version

Use ground turkey for a lighter option. Add a bit more seasoning for flavor.

Beef and Pork Blend

Combining meats creates extra juiciness and depth.

BBQ Meatloaf Casserole

Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce in the meatloaf layer for a smoky twist.

Loaded Topping Variations

Make this casserole your own with different toppings:

Monterey Jack or Colby cheese
Jalapeños for heat
Fried onions for crunch

Ranch drizzle
Extra bacon and cheese

Loaded means customizable.

What to Serve with Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

This dish is hearty, so pair it with lighter sides:

Steamed green beans
Simple garden salad

Roasted broccoli
Coleslaw

A fresh side balances the richness perfectly.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips

Make Ahead

Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance
Cover and refrigerate
Bake when ready to serve

Freezing

Freeze unbaked or baked (without sour cream)
Thaw overnight before reheating

Reheating

Reheat in the oven for best texture

Microwave individual portions

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container
Keeps well for up to 4 days

Flavors improve the next day

This makes it great for lunches or busy weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, but homemade gives better texture and flavor.

Why is my casserole greasy?

Drain excess grease after pre-baking the meatloaf layer.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes—corn, peas, or sautéed mushrooms work well.

Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Absolutely. It’s one of the most family-approved meals.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole is ideal for:

Weeknight dinners
Family gatherings

Potlucks
Comfort food cravings
Cold weather meals

It’s filling, familiar, and always a hit.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole takes two classic comfort foods and turns them into one irresistible, oven-baked dish. With juicy meatloaf, creamy potatoes, and cheesy loaded toppings, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table fast.

If you’re looking for a hearty, cozy, and crowd-pleasing casserole, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole (Hearty, Cheesy & Ultimate Comfort Food)

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Instructions

Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
Make meatloaf mixture: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently—don’t overwork.
Layer potatoes: Toss sliced potatoes with olive oil and salt. Spread half in bottom of dish.

Add meatloaf: Press meat mixture evenly over potatoes. Top with remaining potato slices.
Bake covered with foil for 40 minutes.
Uncover, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and bake 15–20 minutes more, until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.

Finish: Top with crumbled bacon, dollops of sour cream, and green onions.

💡 Pro Tips:
– Par-cook potatoes in microwave (3–4 min) for faster baking.
– Swap beef for ground turkey or a beef-pork blend.
– Make ahead: Assemble (unbaked) up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate and bake as directed.

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, serves 6):