Description
Hearty Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole blends comfort and flavor in one spectacular dish. Cheesy, savory layers combine classic ingredients for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef, extra lean
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup real bacon bits
Binders and Seasonings:
- 1 cup seasoned Italian bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Dairy and Potato Components:
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 (4 ounces) package garlic-flavored instant mashed potatoes
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese blend, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for the hearty casserole.
- Prepare garlic-flavored instant mashed potatoes by boiling water and milk, then stirring in the potato powder until smooth and creamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with diced onions, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, blending thoroughly with hands to distribute flavors evenly.
- Incorporate seasoned Italian bread crumbs and egg into the meat mixture, kneading gently until all ingredients are well integrated.
- Transfer the meat mixture to an 8-inch square baking dish, pressing it firmly and evenly across the bottom to create a solid base.
- Layer the prepared mashed potatoes over the meat using a rubber spatula, ensuring a smooth and even coverage.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the potato surface, then distribute real bacon bits for added texture and flavor.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the meat to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps set the layers and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
- Replace bacon bits with turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon alternatives for healthier protein options.
- Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the meat mixture for extra nutrition and color.
- Consider using Greek yogurt instead of eggs as a binding agent for those with egg allergies or seeking lower cholesterol options.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 438 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg