Loaded Potato and Bacon Meatloaf

 

Introduction

This dish is a blend of two beloved comfort foods: savory meatloaf and loaded mashed potatoes. The layers of seasoned ground meat topped with buttery mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon make this casserole a family favorite for dinner.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef or turkey
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ⅓ cup cottage cheese
• ½ cup BBQ sauce

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup warm milk or half-and-half
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper

Toppings:

• 6 slices thick bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatloaf Base:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
   • In a bowl, mix ground meat, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce. Press into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Mashed Potatoes:
   • Boil the diced potatoes in water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain.
   • Mash the potatoes with butter, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble and Bake:
   • Remove the meatloaf from the oven and drain any grease. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf.
   • Top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
   • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Serve:
   • Let the dish cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve with a side of vegetables or salad.

Conclusion

This Loaded Potato and Bacon Meatloaf is the perfect comfort food for family dinners or gatherings. It’s versatile, allowing you to experiment with different meats or cheeses, and the leftovers reheat beautifully. Serve it with steamed veggies or a crisp salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.