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- 1 lb ground beef - 1/2 lb ground turkey or chicken - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1 large egg - 1 onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced For this loaded meatloaf, I use a mix of ground beef and turkey. The beef adds richness, while turkey keeps it light. Breadcrumbs help bind everything together, and the egg gives it a nice structure. Chopped onion and minced garlic bring in flavor and aroma, making the dish more inviting. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper I add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper for warmth and depth. Each spice enhances the meat's flavor. You can adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. Just make sure it is well-seasoned to make each bite enjoyable. - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional) - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped Finally, I top the bake with cheddar cheese. It melts perfectly and adds a creamy texture. If you like, sprinkle crumbled bacon for a smoky crunch. Chopped green onions provide a fresh bite, brightening the dish. These toppings make the meal visually appealing and packed with flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step warms your oven for even baking. - In a large bowl, mix together 1 pound of ground beef and ½ pound of ground turkey. - Add 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. - Combine these ingredients well. Make sure there are no dry spots. - Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the meat mixture evenly in the dish to form a solid base. - Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This step cooks the meat and blends the flavors. - While the meatloaf bakes, prepare your mashed potatoes. If using homemade, mix with ½ cup of milk and ½ cup of sour cream. This makes them creamy and rich. - After 30 minutes, take the meatloaf out of the oven. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top of the meatloaf. - Use a spatula to smooth the top. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on the mash. If you like bacon, add 1 cup of crumbled bacon on top as well. - Return the baking dish to the oven for an extra 25-30 minutes. Bake until the cheese bubbles and turns golden. To make a great meatloaf, mix the meats with care. Use your hands for better control. Don't overmix, as this can make it tough. Shape the meatloaf into a nice rectangle for even cooking. To avoid dryness, add milk and sour cream to your mix. These will keep it moist. You can also include a little barbecue sauce in the mix for extra flavor. For creamy mashed potatoes, use warm milk and sour cream. This will help them blend smoothly. If you want a lighter texture, use a potato ricer. You can also swap out regular potatoes for cauliflower if you prefer a low-carb option. Just steam the cauliflower and mash it like regular potatoes. Adding fresh herbs can really boost flavor. Try mixing in some parsley or chives for freshness. You can also sprinkle in garlic powder for an extra kick. When it comes to sauces, barbecue sauce is a classic choice. Drizzling it on top before serving adds a nice touch. You might also enjoy a dollop of spicy ketchup for a twist. Pro Tips Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef and turkey to reduce fat without compromising flavor. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like jalapeños or different cheeses for a unique twist. Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier. Make Ahead: Prepare the meatloaf and mash the potatoes a day in advance for a quick bake on busy nights. {{image_2}} You can change the ground meats in this dish. Use just ground beef or turkey. You can mix them, too! For a leaner option, try ground chicken. If you want a vegetarian twist, use lentils or black beans. These swaps keep taste while changing textures. Cheese makes this dish extra tasty. Cheddar is classic, but feel free to try mozzarella or pepper jack. Each cheese adds its own flavor. If you need dairy-free options, look for plant-based cheeses. They melt well and taste great, too! Top your bake with fun vegetables. Try bell peppers, corn, or spinach for a fresh bite. You can also add vegan bacon for that smoky flavor. It brings a nice crunch and pairs well with the creamy potatoes. These changes let you customize your meal just how you like it. To keep your Loaded Meatloaf Mashed Potato Bake fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Store the dish in the refrigerator right after it cools down. It can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always ensure it is completely cooled before sealing it up. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it! Cut the dish into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. You can also microwave it, but the oven keeps it crispy. This dish pairs well with a simple salad or steamed veggies. Try serving it with green beans or roasted carrots for some color. It’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. You can also enjoy it during potlucks or gatherings. Everyone loves a hearty comfort meal! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Make the meatloaf and mashed potatoes in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to bake, layer the mashed potatoes on top and bake as directed. This saves time on busy days. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer. The meatloaf should also feel firm and not jiggle when you shake the pan. Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe. Just follow the package instructions to prepare them. They can save you some time. However, homemade mashed potatoes add a richer flavor to the dish. Yes, you can freeze the Loaded Meatloaf Mashed Potato Bake. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready, thaw in the fridge before baking. Feel free to add chopped veggies like bell peppers or carrots. You can also mix in some herbs for extra flavor. Just make sure they are finely chopped so they blend well. Yes, you can make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Check the labels on other ingredients like sauces to ensure they are gluten-free. This dish pairs great with a side salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a simple green bean dish. These sides add freshness and balance to the meal. The total baking time is about 55 minutes. You bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes, then add the mashed potatoes and cheese. Bake again for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. This blog post covered how to make a tasty meatloaf dish with mashed potatoes. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to perfect your meal. I shared ways to customize flavors and suggested storage options. Meatloaf can be fun and easy, making it a great choice for family dinners. Remember, the best meals come from experimenting and trying new ideas. So get cooking and enjoy your creation!

Loaded Meatloaf Mashed Potato Bake

A hearty and delicious layered dish featuring a savory meatloaf base topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 0.5 lb ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 0.25 cup green onions, chopped
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.25 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
  • In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the meat mixture evenly to form a meatloaf base.
  • Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the mashed potatoes if using homemade. Mix the mashed potatoes with milk and sour cream for creaminess.
  • After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes, followed by the crumbled bacon if using.
  • Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Once done, let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
  • Drizzle the top with barbecue sauce and garnish with chopped green onions before cutting into squares for serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or add more vegetables.
Keyword bake, comfort food, mashed potatoes, meatloaf