Loaded Mashtato Meatloaf Casserole
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever feel like your Mashed Potatoes And Meatloaf is a bit...boring? Honestly, my Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole is anything but! It's a comforting, cheesy, flavour explosion.
Brief Overview
This beauty is not your average comfort food casserole . It's a hearty, all-in-one meal, kinda like the American cousin of Shepherd's Pie.
Ready in about an hour and twenty minutes, this easy meatloaf casserole recipe feeds 6-8 hungry folks.
Main Benefits
It's packed with protein, thanks to the beef. This family dinner casserole recipe is perfect for a Sunday night dinner or any chilly evening! What makes it extra special? The creamy, cheesy, bacon-y Mashed Potato Meatloaf topping, of course!
Craving Comfort?
I still remember the first time I made Mashed Meatloaf Casserole . My husband declared it the best thing I'd ever cooked! The secret? Don't skimp on the cheese or the bacon.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you need to whip up this potato topped meatloaf .
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Alright, let's talk about what you need to whip up this Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole . Honestly, it's easier than trying to understand cricket scores, even for us Brits.
Don't you worry?. You'll impress the entire family with this comfort food casserole!
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Okay, picture this: a classic meatloaf hugging a pile of creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes . It's basically the ultimate comfort food.
- Ground Beef: You will need 1.5 lbs (680g) . Go for an 80/20 blend to keep things juicy. Lean meatloaf is sad meatloaf.
- Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped. About a cup.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (120g) Panko or regular whatever you have knocking about.
- Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
- Milk: 1/4 cup (60ml) , whole or 2%.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons .
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon .
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon .
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Tomato Ketchup: 2 tablespoons , for topping the meatloaf.
- Russet Potatoes: 3 lbs (1.36kg) , peeled and quartered.
- Milk (for Mash): 1/2 cup (120ml) , warmed. Makes the mashed potatoes fluffy.
- Butter: 1/4 cup (57g) , softened. Don't skimp.
- Cream Cheese: 4 oz (113g) , softened. Adds a lovely tang to the mashed meatloaf casserole .
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (113g) , shredded. Cheesy meatloaf with mashed potatoes is always a winner.
- Bacon: 1/2 cup (57g) , cooked and crumbled. Because everything's better with bacon, innit?.
- Chives: 1/4 cup , chopped. For a bit of freshness.
Seasoning Notes: Get That Flavour Popping
This is where we can really make this potato topped meatloaf sing.
- Essential Spices: Thyme and smoked paprika are your heroes. The thyme brings that classic savory note, while the paprika adds a smoky depth.
- Flavor Boosters: Worcestershire sauce is a must for that umami kick. It's the secret weapon in many easy meatloaf casserole recipes .
- Quick Swaps: If you don't have thyme, rosemary works well too. No smoked paprika? Regular paprika will do in a pinch.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
We're not opening a restaurant here, just making dinner.
- Mixing Bowl: For the meatloaf.
- 9x13 Inch Baking Dish: Essential for the casserole.
- Potato Masher or Mixer: For the mashed potatoes . I prefer a masher for a rustic texture.
- Saucepan: For boiling the potatoes.
- Skillet: To get that bacon perfectly crispy.
Honestly, that's all you need. I remember the first time I made this, I didn't have a baking dish the right size and used two smaller ones.
It worked just fine! So don't let lack of fancy equipment stop you from trying this ground beef casserole recipe .
Now, let's get to cooking! This family dinner casserole recipe is about to become a staple!
Cooking Method: Bringing the Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole to Life
Alright, let's get this show on the road! You want a recipe for Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole ? Think of it like this: it's comfort food casserole taken to the next level .
Like, your Nan wished she could make this. Honestly, it's proper banging.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
Before you even think about turning on the oven, mise en place is key. Chop your onion, mince the garlic.
Get your ground beef out of the fridge. You know, all that jazz.
- Essential mise en place: Peel and quarter those potatoes first . Trust me, you don't want to be faffing about with that when the meatloaf's halfway done. Then finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Time saving organization tips: Get your cheese grated ahead of time . Grating cheese is a right pain when you're already covered in meatloaf mixture.
- Safety reminders (if applicable): Don't lick the raw meatloaf mixture. Just...don't. You know? Salmonella is a party pooper.
step-by-step Process: Nailing the Basics
Right, now for the magic! This is where we turn simple ingredients into a Mashed Meatloaf Casserole that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
- Mix ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Don't overmix! Gently combine .
- Press meatloaf into a 9x13 inch baking dish. This ensures your Potato Topped Meatloaf base cooks evenly.
- Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 30 minutes . It is a good start for your Mashed Potatoes And Meatloaf .
- Boil potatoes until tender. Drain like your life depends on it.
- Mash with warm milk, butter, and cream cheese. Get it creamy! A key step to a perfect Cheesy meatloaf with mashed potatoes dish.
- Stir in cheddar, bacon, and chives. This is where the "loaded" part really comes in.
- Top the meatloaf with mashed potato mixture. Cover it all nice and snug.
- Bake again for 25 minutes , until golden. Internal temperature of the meatloaf should be 160° F/ 71° C .
Pro Tips: Elevating Your Game
- Expert technique: Don't overmix the meatloaf mixture! This will make your Meatloaf Recipes With Mashed Potatoes On Top tough. Mix with your hands until just combined, and handle with care.
- Common mistakes to avoid: Soggy potatoes are the worst . Make sure you drain them properly after boiling. Nobody wants watery mashed potatoes, do they?
- make-ahead options: You can prep the meatloaf and mashed potato mixture the day before . Just assemble and bake when you're ready. Hello Easy meatloaf casserole recipe !
Honestly, this Ground beef casserole recipe is such a winner. It's perfect for a Family dinner casserole recipes , even the picky eaters will love it.
Give it a go, and let me know what you think!
Recipe Notes: Nailing That Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole
Right, so you're about to embark on making this Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole , eh? Brill! A couple of things I've learned along the way to make sure you get a right proper result.
Honestly, I've had a few kitchen mishaps myself. It's all part of the fun, innit?
Serving Up a Treat
Plating and Presentation Ideas : Forget fancy, this is proper comfort food. I reckon a good scoop onto a plate is spot on! But if you're feeling a bit posh, a sprinkle of extra chives adds a nice touch.
Honestly, the Mashed Potato Meatloaf speaks for itself.
Complementary Sides or Beverages : A crisp green salad is amazing with this. Cuts through the richness, you know? And a nice glass of red wine always goes down a treat.
Maybe a Merlot, something easy drinking. Or a side of creamy coleslaw just like the one your nan makes.
Storing Your Masterpiece
Refrigeration Guidelines : If you have any leftovers, just pop them in an airtight container and into the fridge. It'll be good for about 3-4 days.
Just make sure it's cooled down properly first.
Freezing Options : This Mashed Meatloaf Casserole freezes pretty well, actually. Cut it into individual portions before freezing. Wrap them tightly in foil or freezer bags.
It will be good for 2-3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Instructions : Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. Or, if you're impatient, a microwave works too.
Remixing the Classics: Variations on a Theme
Dietary Adaptations : Feeling a bit dairy dodgy? No worries. You can totally sub in non-dairy cream cheese and almond milk.
The result will still be smashing, trust me. Also, instead of breadcrumbs, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps : If it's autumn, chuck in some roasted butternut squash into the Mashed Potatoes And Meatloaf . Adds a lovely sweetness, it does.
Or, if you are doing it in Summer, add some herbs to the recipe to get that fresh summer flavor.
Nutrition Chat
Simplified Nutrition Information : Look, it's comfort food casserole . It is not exactly a salad. But it is packed with protein from the beef and potatoes give you some energy.
A good balance, really!
Key Health Benefits : Protein helps keep you full, right? And it's good for building muscles. Plus, this Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is a great way to get some veggies in, even if they are hiding a bit.
So there you have it! A complete guide to making this Easy Meatloaf Casserole Recipe shine. This Potato Topped Meatloaf recipe is a simple classic, but a family dinner casserole recipes with a special flavor.
It is Cheesy meatloaf with mashed potatoes on top. Go on, give it a go. You might surprise yourself. And even if it's a bit wonky, it'll still taste amazing! Have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prep this dish in advance! Assemble the entire casserole, but don't bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Just think of it as giving the flavors a chance to have a good old natter before the oven party!
How should I store leftover Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll keep well for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Avoid leaving the casserole out at room temperature for more than two hours, just like you wouldn't leave a cuppa out for too long!
What if I don't have all the ingredients for the loaded mashed potatoes? Any substitutes?
No worries, mate, substitutions are your friend! If you're missing cream cheese, sour cream or even a dollop of Greek yogurt can work in a pinch. As for the bacon and chives, feel free to swap in whatever herbs or cheese you have on hand.
Get creative a sprinkle of parmesan or some dried herbs can really do the trick!
My meatloaf always comes out dry. How do I keep my Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole moist?
Ah, the dreaded dry meatloaf! The key is to not overmix the meat mixture; overmixing develops the gluten and makes it tough. Also, ensure you're using ground beef with a bit of fat (80/20 is ideal) and don't overbake it.
Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is a lifesaver. Plus, the mashed potato topping acts as a fantastic moisture barrier.
Can I use different types of meat in the Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole?
You bet! While ground beef is classic, you could absolutely use ground turkey, ground pork, or even a mixture of beef and pork. Just be mindful of the fat content if you're using leaner meats like ground turkey, consider adding a tablespoon or two of olive oil to the meatloaf mixture to keep it moist.
Variety is the spice of life, innit?
Is this Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole healthy? Can I make it healthier?
Well, "healthy" is a relative term, a bit like Marmite you either love it or hate it! This casserole is certainly hearty and comforting. To make it healthier, you could use leaner ground beef, reduce the amount of cheese, substitute some of the mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash, and load up on veggies in the meatloaf mixture.
Small changes can make a big difference, and you can still have a delicious, satisfying meal.
Loaded Mashtato Meatloaf Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550-650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30-40g |
| Fiber | 30-40g |
