Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole (Printable Version)

Layers of beef, creamy potatoes, cheese, and bacon make this casserole the ultimate hearty comfort dinner.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meatloaf Layer

01 - 680 g ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 60 g breadcrumbs
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 60 ml milk
07 - 30 ml ketchup
08 - 15 ml Worcestershire sauce
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Mashed Potato Layer

10 - 1.2 kg russet potatoes, peeled and diced
11 - 60 g butter
12 - 120 ml milk or cream
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Toppings

14 - 120 g shredded cheddar cheese
15 - 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
16 - Fresh chives or thyme, finely chopped, for garnish
17 - Brown gravy, warmed, for serving (optional)

# Steps To Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 190°C. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just incorporated.
02 - Evenly press the meat mixture into the base of a greased 23x33 cm baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until mostly set. Remove and carefully drain excess fat if needed.
03 - As the meatloaf bakes, cook diced potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain, then mash with butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
04 - Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the partially baked meatloaf. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, then scatter crumbled bacon over the cheese.
05 - Return dish to the oven and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling. Rest for 5 minutes, garnish with chopped chives or thyme, and serve with warm brown gravy if desired.

# Notes and Tips:

01 - For enhanced flavor, infuse the mash with roasted garlic or stir in chopped fresh herbs.
02 - You may substitute ground turkey for beef to reduce fat content.
03 - Fold in cooked corn or peas between layers for added vegetables.