Loaded Potato Meatloaf

Take your dinner to new comfort food heights with this Loaded Potato Meatloaf! Juicy, seasoned ground beef is shaped into a classic meatloaf and topped with a creamy, cheesy mashed potato layer loaded with green onions, beef bacon, and melty cheddar. It’s like your favorite loaded baked potato and hearty meatloaf had the most delicious dinner baby.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
All-in-One Comfort – Meat and potatoes in one hearty, cheesy dish.
Family Favorite – Familiar flavors that everyone at the table will enjoy.
Great for Leftovers – Slice it up and enjoy the next day—it reheats beautifully.
Customizable – Use leftover mashed potatoes or switch up the toppings.
Freezer-Friendly – Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatloaf Base:

• 1½ lbs ground beef
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, chopped

For the Loaded Potato Topping:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 strips cooked beef bacon, crumbled
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Extra shredded cheese
• Crumbled beef bacon
• Chopped green onions
• Drizzle of sour cream or ranch

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Loaf pan or baking sheet
• Skillet (for bacon)
• Spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil (optional for easy cleanup)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with foil.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, paprika, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
Gently combine with your hands or a spatula—don’t overmix or the loaf can become dense.

Step 3: Shape & Bake
Transfer the mixture into your loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on your baking sheet.
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Potato Topping
While the meatloaf bakes, mix mashed potatoes with sour cream, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.

Step 5: Top & Finish Baking
Remove meatloaf from the oven.
Spoon the mashed potato mixture evenly over the top.
Sprinkle with extra cheese and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the loaf reaches an internal temp of 160°F.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Top with extra green onions, more bacon, or a drizzle of sour cream if desired.
Serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables for balance.

Tips for Perfect Meatloaf
Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes – Save time and reduce waste.
Don’t Overmix the Meat – Keeps the texture juicy and tender.
Let It Rest – Resting before slicing helps lock in moisture and keeps it from falling apart.
Mix Up the Cheese – Try Monterey Jack, gouda, or pepper jack for variation.
Make Mini Loaves – Bake in a muffin tin for perfect individual servings.

Serving Suggestions
Roasted Veggies – A colorful mix of carrots, broccoli, or green beans.
Crisp Garden Salad – Balances the richness with freshness.
Gravy or Sauce – A drizzle of brown gravy or ranch dressing adds an extra layer.
Dinner Rolls – For soaking up all the flavor on the plate.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap slices individually or the full loaf in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F, covered, for 15–20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat slices in 30-second intervals until hot.
Skillet: Warm slices with a lid over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes! Just prepare according to package instructions and mix in your toppings.

2. What’s the best beef to use?
An 80/20 blend (lean/fat) keeps the meatloaf moist and flavorful without being greasy.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Add the potato topping just before baking.

4. Is it gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check all ingredient labels.

5. Can I use another protein?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well—just reduce the baking time slightly and monitor doneness.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Potato Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food dinner—filling, flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy. It’s a creative twist on two classic favorites that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Perfect for cozy nights in, family dinners, or impressing guests with something a little different.

Try it this week and enjoy every cheesy, meaty, mashed-potato-topped bite!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 495 | Protein: 31g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 34g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 620mg

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