Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
If you crave the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole. This glorious dish combines all the cozy flavors of a classic meatloaf with the creamy delight of mashed potatoes — all baked together in a single pan for maximum flavor and minimum fuss. Each forkful delivers layers of savory, cheesy goodness and just the right touch of nostalgia, making it the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole is that it calls for simple, familiar ingredients. Each one brings something special — whether that’s juicy texture, creamy richness, a pop of color, or just that hint of tangy, irresistible flavor.
- Ground Beef: The hearty foundation, bringing savory meatiness to the first layer.
- Breadcrumbs: Holds the meatloaf together and soaks up all those delicious juices.
- Egg: Acts as the glue to bind the meatloaf effortlessly.
- Milk: Adds tenderness and moisture to the meat layer.
- Onion: Finely chopped for bursts of flavor in every bite.
- Garlic: Just two cloves bring aromatic depth without overpowering.
- Ketchup: A dash of tangy sweetness that lifts the whole dish.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Builds complexity with its savory umami.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential to balance each layer perfectly.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, fluffy, and utterly comforting as the casserole’s crown.
- Sour Cream: Infuses the potatoes with richness and a mild tang.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a deliciously gooey layer—don’t skimp!
- Butter: Adds even more velvetiness and flavor to the potato layer.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish, bringing a pop of fresh color at the finish.
How to Make Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combining your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently, just until everything is evenly combined. You want a uniform blend without making the meat tough — so a light hand does wonders here.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf Layer
Take your meatloaf mixture and press it evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Press down just enough to form a flat, cohesive layer; this will help the casserole slice beautifully. Pop the dish into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the edges start to caramelize slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Mashed Potato Layer
While the meatloaf is baking, stir together your mashed potatoes, sour cream, half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a separate bowl. Give it a good mix until the potatoes are silky smooth with pockets of melty cheese. This layer is what makes Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole so delightfully creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Once the meatloaf layer is ready, gently spread your mashed potato mixture evenly over the top. Be careful not to press too hard — you want distinct layers for that picture-perfect casserole. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over everything to create that drool-worthy golden topping.
Step 5: Final Bake and Garnish
Return the baking dish to the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Let it cool for a few minutes, then shower the top with chopped fresh parsley if you like a splash of color and freshness.
How to Serve Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole
Garnishes
Nothing beats a sprinkle of fresh parsley over the top for brightness, but you can also jazz it up with a dusting of paprika, a few thinly sliced green onions, or even extra crispy fried onions for texture. Adding that little bit of green or crunch makes every serving of Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole feel special.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is already hearty, keep sides simple: a crisp green salad or steamed green beans pair wonderfully. If you want to keep building the comfort factor, a slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of meatloaf goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an unexpected twist, serve individual portions in ramekins for dinner parties or busy weeknights. You can also use a biscuit cutter to make perfectly round stacks — just layer up the meatloaf and potato mixtures and top with cheese. It’s a playful way to dress up Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover casserole into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen by the next day, so you might find yourself sneaking a midnight bite!
Freezing
If you love planning ahead, Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole freezes like a dream. Simply wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap then foil, or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To maintain that creamy texture, reheat leftovers in a 350°F (177°C) oven, loosely covered with foil, until hot throughout. You can also microwave individual servings, but add a splash of milk or a dab of butter to keep the potatoes moist and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just make sure to season generously, as leaner meats need a little extra flavor boost.
Do I have to make the mashed potatoes from scratch?
Not at all — shortcut mashed potatoes work just fine. For maximum flavor, you can always jazz them up with extra butter, sour cream, and cheese.
What if I want a gluten-free version?
Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed gluten-free crackers. The rest of the ingredients in Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole are naturally gluten-free!
Can I assemble the casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and layer everything, cover your dish, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake as directed — you may just need to add a few minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What’s the best way to slice and serve?
Let the casserole cool slightly after baking — this helps set the layers so you get those beautiful squares. A sharp knife and a wide spatula make serving easy and mess-free.
Final Thoughts
Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole really is the ultimate family dinner: simple to make, endlessly satisfying, and bursting with good old-fashioned flavor. I can’t wait for you to gather your loved ones, bake up a pan, and see how quickly it disappears from the table!
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Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole. Layers of juicy meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes topped with melted cheddar cheese, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Mashed Potato Layer:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined. Press mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the meatloaf layer. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, mix the prepared mashed potatoes with sour cream, cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and pepper until creamy. Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly over the cooked meatloaf. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, spread a thin layer of ketchup or barbecue sauce over the meatloaf before adding the mashed potatoes.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
